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Labour is set to announce its fresh deputy leader this Saturday, with surveys pointing to Lucy Powell ahead of Bridget Phillipson as voting closed on Thursday.

The Day's Political Agenda

Below is the politics timeline for today, based on the PA news agency:

• 10:00 AM: The party's deputy chief is set to be revealed in central London. Addresses are expected following the announcement from the victor and the PM.
• 1:00 PM: Protesters from opposing groups are likely to gather in separate areas of the capital after police banned Ukip activists from gathering in Whitechapel due to fears of serious disorder.
• Saturday: Vote counting starts to determine the new head of state of the Irish Republic.

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

Campaign Key Points and Candidate Stances

Throughout the election race, Powell frequently mentioned mistakes made by the Labour Party on matters such as the winter fuel allowance. In a final message to backers, she seemed to question a top-down culture within government, arguing that blindly following along was a dereliction of responsibility.

If Powell wins, the result is likely to be seen as a rebuke to the prime minister's governance from Labour members.

The prime minister has already faced a challenging period, dominated by a dispute over the grooming gangs investigation and a defeat in the Senedd byelection in the Caerphilly seat.

Labour’s struggles in the polls have sparked doubts among MPs about the leader's position.

Lucy Powell has stressed that she wants to support the PM and administration to succeed but also informed followers the party needs to adapt how it operates to improve the situation.

Meanwhile, Bridget Phillipson, regarded as Number 10's favored choice, has highlighted unity, warning that choosing her opponent would result in internal debate and divisions that could lead the Labour back to being in opposition.

Additional News Highlights

• Reducing the cash Isa limit may not encourage investors to invest in stocks but could increase home loan rates, lawmakers have cautioned the chancellor.
• A heavy defeat for Labour in the upcoming local elections could spell the end of Starmer's leadership, MPs have stated, after the Labour suffered a crushing defeat in Wales.
• Rishi Sunak was the sole MP provided a testimonial by the deputy national security adviser implicated in a controversy over the collapse of a case against two UK nationals accused of spying for China.

The outcome of the deputy leadership election is scheduled to be announced at 10am BST.