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Labour is set to reveal its new deputy leader this Saturday, with polls suggesting Lucy Powell in front of the education secretary as balloting ended on the previous Thursday.

Today's Political Agenda

Presented is the political timeline for today, according to the news schedule:

• 10:00 AM: Labour’s new deputy leader is set to be revealed in London. Addresses are anticipated afterwards from the victor and the PM.
• 1pm: Demonstrators from rival factions are expected to gather in separate areas of the capital after authorities prohibited Ukip supporters from gathering in Whitechapel due to concerns of public unrest.
• Saturday: Counting starts to reveal the next president of the Irish Republic.

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

Election Highlights and Contender Stances

During the election race, Lucy Powell frequently referred to mistakes made by the party on issues such as the winter heating payments. In a closing statement to backers, she seemed to question a top-down approach within the administration, stating that unquestioning compliance was a failure of duty.

If Powell does emerge victorious, the outcome is expected to be seen as a criticism to the prime minister's leadership from party members.

Keir Starmer has already faced a challenging week, dominated by a row over the grooming gangs investigation and a defeat in the Welsh assembly by-election in Caerphilly.

Labour’s struggles in the polls have led to questions among backbenchers about the leader's position.

Powell has stressed that she wants to support the PM and administration to prosper but also told supporters the party must change how it functions to turn things around.

In contrast, Bridget Phillipson, regarded as the prime minister's preferred candidate, has stressed cohesion, cautioning that choosing her opponent would result in internal debate and splits that could lead the Labour back to opposition.

Other Political Headlines

• Reducing the cash Isa limit may not encourage savers to invest in stocks but could push up home loan rates, MPs have warned the chancellor.
• A wipeout for the Labour Party in next May’s council elections could spell the end of Keir Starmer’s premiership, MPs have stated, after the party experienced a crushing defeat in Wales.
• Rishi Sunak was the sole MP sent a testimonial by the deputy national security adviser implicated in a dispute over the dismissal of a case against two UK nationals accused of espionage for China.

The result of the deputy leader contest is expected to be declared at 10am BST.