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Labour is poised to declare its new deputy leader this Saturday, with polls pointing to the Manchester Central MP in front of Bridget Phillipson as voting closed on Thursday.

The Day's Schedule of Events

Here is the politics schedule for today, as per the news schedule:

• 10am: Labour’s new deputy leader is set to be revealed in London. Speeches are anticipated afterwards from the victor and the prime minister.
• 1pm: Protesters from opposing groups are expected to descend on separate areas of London after authorities banned Ukip supporters from gathering in an East London area due to fears of serious disorder.
• Saturday: Vote counting starts to reveal the next president of the Irish Republic.

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

Campaign Highlights and Candidate Positions

During the campaign, Lucy Powell often referred to mistakes made by the Labour Party on issues such as the winter heating payments. In a closing statement to backers, she appeared to criticise a top-down approach within government, stating that blindly following along 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 Labour members.

Keir Starmer has already faced a challenging period, dominated by a row over the grooming gangs inquiry and a loss in the Welsh assembly by-election in Caerphilly.

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

Powell has stressed that she aims to help Keir and our government to succeed but also told followers the party needs to adapt how it functions to improve the situation.

Meanwhile, Phillipson, seen as Number 10's preferred candidate, has stressed unity, cautioning that voting for her rival would result in party disputes and splits 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 home loan rates, lawmakers have cautioned the finance minister.
• A heavy defeat for Labour in the upcoming local elections could signal the termination of Keir Starmer’s premiership, parliamentarians have said, after the Labour suffered a crushing defeat in Wales.
• The former prime minister was the sole MP sent a testimonial by the deputy national security adviser involved in a dispute over the dismissal of a case against two UK nationals alleged of espionage for China.

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