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Labour is poised to declare its new deputy leader today, with polls suggesting Lucy Powell ahead of the education secretary as voting closed on the previous Thursday.

Today's Schedule of Events

Presented is the politics schedule for Saturday, as per the PA news agency:

• 10am: The party's deputy chief is set to be revealed in central London. Speeches are anticipated afterwards from the winner and the prime minister.
• 1:00 PM: Protesters from opposing groups are likely to gather in separate areas of London after authorities banned Ukip activists from gathering in an East London area due to concerns of public unrest.
• Today: Counting starts to determine the next president of Ireland.

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

Campaign Highlights and Contender Stances

Throughout the campaign, Powell frequently referred to mistakes made by the Labour Party on issues such as the winter fuel allowance. In a final message to backers, she seemed to question a command and control approach within the administration, arguing that unquestioning compliance was a dereliction of duty.

If Powell does emerge victorious, the outcome is expected to be seen as a rebuke to the prime minister's governance from Labour members.

The prime minister has recently faced a difficult week, dominated by a dispute over the grooming gangs investigation and a defeat in the Senedd byelection in Caerphilly.

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

Powell has emphasized that she wants to help Keir and our government to succeed but also informed followers the Labour needs to adapt how it functions to turn things around.

Meanwhile, Phillipson, regarded as the prime minister's favored choice, has stressed unity, warning that choosing her opponent would result in party disputes and splits that could return the party back to opposition.

Additional News Highlights

• Cutting the annual cash Isa allowance may not persuade investors to switch to shares but could push up mortgage costs, MPs have cautioned the chancellor.
• A wipeout for Labour in the upcoming council elections could signal the termination of Starmer's leadership, parliamentarians have stated, after the Labour suffered a crushing defeat in its Welsh heartland.
• The former prime minister was the only politician sent a testimonial by the deputy national security adviser implicated in a dispute over the collapse of a case against two UK nationals accused of spying for China.

The result of the deputy leadership election is scheduled to be declared at 10am BST.