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Labour is ready to declare its new deputy leader this Saturday, with polls suggesting the Manchester Central MP leading Bridget Phillipson as voting concluded on Thursday.

Today's Schedule of Events

Below is the political agenda for today, based on the PA news agency:

• 10am: Labour’s new deputy leader is set to be revealed in London. Speeches are expected following the announcement from the winner and the prime minister.
• 1pm: Demonstrators from opposing groups are expected to gather in separate areas of London after police prohibited Ukip activists from assembling in Whitechapel due to fears of serious disorder.
• Saturday: Counting starts to determine the next president of the Irish Republic.

Additionally, the Epping Forest MP Neil Hudson is on the morning media rounds for the Tory party.

Election Key Points and Candidate Positions

During the campaign, Lucy Powell frequently mentioned mistakes made by the Labour Party on issues such as the winter heating payments. In a final message to backers, she appeared to criticise a top-down approach within government, stating that unquestioning compliance was a failure of duty.

If Powell wins, the outcome is likely to be seen as a criticism to Keir Starmer's leadership from party members.

The prime minister has recently faced a difficult period, marked by a row over the grooming gangs investigation and a defeat in the Senedd byelection in Caerphilly.

Labour’s struggles in the opinion polls have sparked doubts among MPs about Starmer’s leadership.

Powell has emphasized that she aims to help Keir and our government to succeed but also informed followers the Labour must change how it operates to improve the situation.

In contrast, Bridget Phillipson, regarded as Number 10's favored choice, has stressed unity, warning that choosing her rival would result in party disputes and divisions that could return the Labour back to being in opposition.

Other News Highlights

• Reducing the annual cash Isa allowance may not persuade investors to switch to shares but could increase home loan rates, MPs have warned the finance minister.
• A heavy defeat for Labour in the upcoming local elections could spell the end of Starmer's leadership, parliamentarians have stated, after the Labour experienced a crushing defeat in its Welsh heartland.
• Rishi Sunak was the sole MP sent a testimonial by the security official involved in a controversy over the dismissal of a case against two British men accused of spying for China.

The result of the deputy leadership election is expected to be declared at 10am BST.