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The Labour Party is ready to declare its new deputy chief today, with surveys pointing to Lucy Powell leading the education secretary as balloting closed on Thursday.

The Day's Schedule of Events

Below is the political timeline for Saturday, according to the news schedule:

• 10am: The party's deputy chief is set to be revealed in central London. Addresses are anticipated following the announcement from the victor and the PM.
• 1pm: Protesters from rival factions are likely to gather in different sides of London after police banned Ukip activists from gathering in an East London area due to concerns of public unrest.
• Saturday: Counting begins to reveal the new head of state of the Irish Republic.

Meanwhile, the Epping Forest MP Conservative MP Neil Hudson is on the morning media rounds for the Conservatives.

Election Key Points and Contender Positions

During the campaign, Lucy Powell often referred to errors made by the party on matters such as the winter fuel allowance. In a final message to backers, she appeared to criticise a command and control approach within the administration, stating that blindly following along was a dereliction of responsibility.

Should Powell does emerge victorious, the result is expected to be seen as a criticism to Keir Starmer's governance from Labour members.

The prime minister has already endured a difficult week, dominated by a dispute over the grooming gangs investigation and a loss in the Senedd byelection in the Caerphilly seat.

Labour’s struggles in the polls have sparked doubts among backbenchers about the leader's position.

Powell has stressed that she aims to help Keir and our government to prosper but also informed supporters the Labour must change how it functions to improve the situation.

In contrast, Phillipson, regarded as Number 10's favored choice, has stressed unity, warning that choosing her rival would result in internal debate and divisions that could lead the party back to being in opposition.

Additional News Highlights

• Reducing the annual cash Isa allowance may not encourage investors to switch to shares but could push up mortgage costs, lawmakers have cautioned the chancellor.
• A wipeout for the Labour Party in next May’s council elections could signal the termination of Keir Starmer’s premiership, MPs have stated, after the party experienced a significant loss in its Welsh heartland.
• Rishi Sunak was the only politician sent a witness statement by the deputy national security adviser implicated in a dispute over the collapse of a legal case against two British men alleged of spying for China.

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