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Labour is set to announce its fresh deputy chief this Saturday, with polling data pointing to the Manchester Central MP in front of the education secretary as voting closed on Thursday.

Today's Schedule of Events

Below is the politics schedule for today, according to the news schedule:

• 10am: The party's deputy chief will be announced in London. Addresses are anticipated following the announcement from the victor and the prime minister.
• 1:00 PM: Demonstrators from rival factions are expected to gather in different sides of London after police banned Ukip supporters from assembling in an East London area due to fears of public unrest.
• Saturday: Vote counting starts to determine the next president of Ireland.

Meanwhile, the Epping Forest MP Conservative MP Neil Hudson is conducting the media interviews for the Tory party.

Election Highlights and Contender Stances

Throughout the election race, Lucy Powell frequently referred to errors made by the party on issues such as the winter fuel allowance. In a final message to supporters, she seemed to question a top-down approach within the administration, stating that unquestioning compliance was a dereliction of responsibility.

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

Keir Starmer has already endured a challenging week, dominated by a dispute over the grooming gangs investigation and a loss in the Senedd byelection in the Caerphilly seat.

The party's difficulties in the opinion polls have led to doubts among backbenchers about Starmer’s leadership.

Lucy Powell has stressed that she aims to support the PM and administration to succeed but also told followers the Labour must change how it operates to turn things around.

Meanwhile, Bridget Phillipson, regarded as Number 10's preferred candidate, has highlighted cohesion, warning that voting for her opponent would result in party disputes and divisions that could return the Labour back to opposition.

Additional News Highlights

• Cutting the annual cash Isa allowance may not encourage savers to switch to shares but could push up mortgage costs, lawmakers have cautioned the finance minister.
• A heavy defeat for Labour in the upcoming council elections could signal the termination of Starmer's leadership, parliamentarians have said, after the Labour experienced a significant loss in Wales.
• The former prime minister was the sole MP provided a testimonial by the deputy national security adviser implicated in a dispute over the collapse of a case against two British men accused of espionage for China.

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