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The Labour Party is poised to announce its new deputy leader today, with surveys pointing to Lucy Powell in front of Bridget Phillipson as balloting concluded on the previous Thursday.

The Day's Political Agenda

Here is the politics timeline for Saturday, according to the news schedule:

• 10am: The party's deputy chief is set to be revealed in London. Speeches are anticipated following the announcement from the victor and the prime minister.
• 1pm: Demonstrators from opposing groups are expected to gather in different sides of London after police prohibited Ukip activists from gathering in an East London area due to concerns of public unrest.
• Saturday: Vote counting begins to determine the next president of Ireland.

Additionally, the Epping Forest MP Conservative MP Neil Hudson is conducting the media interviews for the Conservatives.

Election Key Points and Candidate Stances

Throughout the campaign, Lucy Powell frequently mentioned errors made by the party on issues such as the winter fuel allowance. In a final message to backers, she appeared to criticise a top-down approach within government, stating that unquestioning compliance was a dereliction of responsibility.

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

Keir Starmer has already endured a difficult period, dominated by a row over the grooming gangs inquiry and a loss in the Senedd byelection in the Caerphilly seat.

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

Lucy Powell has emphasized that she aims to help Keir and our government to succeed but also told followers the Labour must change how it functions to improve the situation.

In contrast, Phillipson, seen as Number 10's preferred candidate, has highlighted cohesion, cautioning that voting for her rival would result in internal debate and divisions that could lead the Labour back to opposition.

Other News Highlights

• Cutting the cash Isa limit may not encourage savers to invest in stocks but could push up mortgage costs, lawmakers have cautioned the chancellor.
• A heavy defeat for Labour in next May’s local elections could spell the end of Keir Starmer’s premiership, parliamentarians have said, after the party suffered a crushing defeat in its Welsh heartland.
• Rishi Sunak was the only politician 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 result of the deputy leadership election is expected to be declared at 10am BST.