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Labour is poised to announce its fresh deputy leader this Saturday, with polls indicating the Manchester Central MP ahead of the education secretary as voting closed on Thursday.

The Day's Schedule of Events

Presented is the political timeline for today, based on the PA news agency:

• 10am: Labour’s new deputy leader will be announced in central London. Speeches are expected afterwards from the victor and the prime minister.
• 1pm: Protesters from opposing groups are likely to gather in different sides of the capital after police banned Ukip supporters from gathering in Whitechapel due to concerns of public unrest.
• Today: Vote 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 Highlights and Contender Stances

During the campaign, Powell frequently mentioned errors made by the party on matters such as the winter heating payments. In a final message to backers, she seemed to question a command and control approach within government, stating that blindly following along was a failure of duty.

Should Powell wins, the result is likely to be seen as a criticism to Keir Starmer's leadership from Labour members.

The prime minister has recently endured a challenging week, dominated by a dispute over the grooming gangs inquiry and a loss in the Welsh assembly by-election in the Caerphilly seat.

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

Powell has stressed that she aims to help Keir and our government to succeed but also told followers the Labour must change how it functions to turn things around.

Meanwhile, Bridget Phillipson, seen as the prime minister's preferred candidate, has highlighted unity, warning that voting for her opponent would result in party disputes and splits that could lead the Labour back to opposition.

Other News Highlights

• Cutting the annual cash Isa allowance may not persuade investors to invest in stocks but could increase mortgage costs, lawmakers have warned the chancellor.
• A heavy defeat for the Labour Party in next May’s local elections could signal the termination of Keir Starmer’s premiership, parliamentarians have stated, after the party experienced a significant loss in its Welsh heartland.
• The former prime minister was the sole MP sent a witness statement by the deputy national security adviser involved in a controversy over the collapse of a case against two British men alleged of spying for China.

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