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The Labour Party is poised to reveal its new deputy leader today, with polling data pointing to Lucy Powell leading Bridget Phillipson as voting closed on the previous Thursday.

Today's Schedule of Events

Presented is the political schedule for today, as per the news schedule:

• 10:00 AM: Labour’s new deputy leader will be announced in London. Speeches are expected following the announcement from the winner and the prime minister.
• 1:00 PM: Protesters from opposing groups are likely to descend on different sides of London after police banned Ukip supporters from assembling in Whitechapel due to concerns of serious disorder.
• Saturday: Counting begins to reveal the new head of state of Ireland.

Additionally, the Epping Forest MP Neil Hudson is conducting the morning media rounds for the Tory party.

Campaign Highlights and Candidate Positions

During the campaign, Powell often referred to errors made by the party on issues such as the winter fuel allowance. In a final message to supporters, she appeared to criticise a top-down approach within the administration, stating that blindly following along was a failure of responsibility.

If Powell wins, the result is expected to be seen as a rebuke to Keir Starmer's leadership from party members.

The prime minister has recently endured a challenging week, marked by a dispute over the grooming gangs inquiry and a defeat in the Welsh assembly by-election in Caerphilly.

Labour’s struggles in the opinion polls have led to questions among backbenchers about Starmer’s leadership.

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

Meanwhile, Phillipson, seen as Number 10's preferred candidate, has highlighted unity, cautioning that voting for her opponent would result in internal debate and splits that could return the Labour back to opposition.

Additional News Highlights

• Reducing the cash Isa limit may not encourage savers to invest in stocks but could push up home loan rates, MPs have warned the finance minister.
• A heavy defeat for the Labour Party in next May’s council elections could signal the termination of Starmer's leadership, MPs have stated, after the party experienced a significant loss in Wales.
• Rishi Sunak was the only politician provided a witness statement by the deputy national security adviser involved in a dispute over the collapse of a legal case against two British men accused of espionage for China.

The result of the deputy leadership election is expected to be declared at 10:00 AM British Summer Time.