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The Labour Party is poised to reveal its new deputy chief this Saturday, with polls indicating Lucy Powell ahead of the education secretary as voting closed on the previous Thursday.

Today's Political Agenda

Below is the politics agenda for today, as per the PA news agency:

• 10am: The party's deputy chief is set to be revealed in London. Speeches are anticipated following the announcement from the winner and the prime minister.
• 1:00 PM: Protesters from rival factions are expected to descend on separate areas of the capital after police prohibited Ukip supporters from gathering in an East London area due to fears of serious disorder.
• Saturday: Vote counting begins to reveal the next president of Ireland.

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

Election Highlights and Candidate Positions

During the campaign, Powell often mentioned errors made by the Labour Party on matters such as the winter fuel allowance. In a closing statement to supporters, she appeared to criticise a top-down approach within government, arguing that blindly following along was a dereliction of duty.

Should Powell does emerge victorious, the result is expected to be seen as a rebuke to the prime minister's governance from party members.

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

The party's difficulties in the opinion polls have led to questions among MPs about the leader's position.

Powell has stressed that she wants to support the PM and administration to succeed but also told supporters the Labour must change how it functions to turn things around.

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

Other News Highlights

• Cutting the annual cash Isa allowance may not encourage savers to invest in stocks but could increase home loan rates, MPs have cautioned the chancellor.
• A heavy defeat for Labour in next May’s local elections could spell the end of Keir Starmer’s premiership, parliamentarians have said, after the Labour suffered a crushing defeat in Wales.
• Rishi Sunak was the sole MP provided a witness statement by the security official involved in a dispute over the dismissal of a case against two UK nationals alleged of espionage for China.

The outcome of the deputy leader contest is expected to be announced at 10am BST.