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The Labour Party is poised to declare its new deputy leader this Saturday, with polling data suggesting the Manchester Central MP ahead of Bridget Phillipson as voting concluded on the previous Thursday.

The Day's Political Agenda

Below is the politics agenda for today, based on the news schedule:

• 10:00 AM: The party's deputy chief will be announced in central London. Speeches are expected afterwards from the victor and the prime minister.
• 1:00 PM: Protesters from rival factions are expected to descend on separate areas of London after police banned Ukip supporters from gathering in Whitechapel due to fears of serious disorder.
• Today: Vote counting begins to determine the next president of the Irish Republic.

Meanwhile, Epping Forest MP Conservative MP Neil Hudson is on the morning media rounds for the Conservatives.

Campaign Highlights and Contender Stances

Throughout the election race, Powell often mentioned mistakes made by the party on issues such as the winter heating payments. In a closing statement to supporters, she appeared to criticise a command and control culture within the administration, arguing that blindly following along was a failure of responsibility.

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

Keir Starmer has recently endured a challenging period, marked by a row over the grooming gangs inquiry and a defeat in the Welsh assembly by-election in the Caerphilly seat.

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

Lucy Powell has emphasized that she aims to support the PM and administration to prosper but also informed followers the Labour needs to adapt how it functions to improve the situation.

In contrast, Bridget Phillipson, seen as Number 10's favored choice, has highlighted cohesion, warning that voting for her opponent would result in party disputes and divisions that could lead the Labour back to being in opposition.

Additional News Highlights

• Reducing the annual cash Isa allowance may not persuade investors to switch to shares but could push up mortgage costs, MPs have cautioned the finance minister.
• A heavy defeat for the Labour Party in the upcoming council elections could signal the termination of Keir Starmer’s premiership, parliamentarians have stated, after the party experienced a crushing defeat in Wales.
• Rishi Sunak was the sole MP sent a witness statement by the security official involved in a controversy over the dismissal of a legal case against two British men accused of spying for China.

The outcome of the deputy leader contest is expected to be announced at 10:00 AM British Summer Time.