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The Labour Party is set to declare its fresh deputy chief this Saturday, with polling data indicating the Manchester Central MP in front of Bridget Phillipson as voting closed on Thursday.

Today's Schedule of Events

Presented is the politics timeline for today, as per the PA news agency:

• 10am: Labour’s new deputy leader is set to be revealed in central London. Addresses are expected following the announcement from the winner and the prime minister.
• 1:00 PM: Protesters from opposing groups are likely to gather in different sides of London after police prohibited Ukip supporters from assembling in Whitechapel due to fears of serious disorder.
• Today: Vote counting begins to determine the next president of Ireland.

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

Campaign Highlights and Contender Stances

During the election race, Lucy Powell often referred to mistakes made by the Labour Party on issues such as the winter heating payments. In a final message to backers, she seemed to question a command and control culture within government, stating that unquestioning compliance was a dereliction of responsibility.

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

Keir Starmer has recently endured a challenging period, dominated by a dispute over the grooming gangs investigation and a defeat in the Senedd byelection in the Caerphilly seat.

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

Powell has emphasized that she aims to help Keir and our government to prosper but also told supporters the party must change how it operates to improve the situation.

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

Additional News Highlights

• Reducing the annual cash Isa allowance may not persuade savers to invest in stocks but could push up mortgage costs, lawmakers have cautioned the finance minister.
• A heavy defeat for the Labour Party in the upcoming local elections could spell the end of Starmer's leadership, parliamentarians have stated, after the Labour experienced a significant loss in Wales.
• The former prime minister was the only politician sent a witness statement by the deputy national security adviser implicated in a controversy over the collapse of a case against two British men accused of espionage for China.

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