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The Labour Party is ready to declare its new deputy chief today, with polling data suggesting Lucy Powell leading Bridget Phillipson as voting ended on the previous Thursday.

Today's Political Agenda

Here is the political agenda for Saturday, as per the PA news agency:

• 10:00 AM: The party's deputy chief will be announced in central London. Speeches are expected following the announcement from the victor and the PM.
• 1:00 PM: Protesters from rival factions are likely to descend on separate areas of London after authorities banned Ukip supporters from assembling in Whitechapel due to fears of serious disorder.
• Today: Vote counting begins to determine the next president 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 Candidate Positions

Throughout the election race, Powell frequently referred to mistakes made by the party on matters such as the winter heating payments. In a closing statement to backers, she appeared to criticise a top-down approach within the administration, arguing that unquestioning compliance was a dereliction of duty.

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

Keir Starmer has already faced a difficult period, marked by a row over the grooming gangs investigation and a loss in the Senedd byelection in Caerphilly.

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

Powell has emphasized that she wants to support the PM and administration to prosper but also informed followers the Labour needs to adapt how it functions to improve the situation.

In contrast, Phillipson, seen as the prime minister's preferred candidate, has highlighted unity, warning that voting for her opponent would result in party disputes and splits that could return the party back to opposition.

Additional News Highlights

• Reducing the cash Isa limit may not encourage investors to switch to shares but could push up mortgage costs, MPs have warned the finance minister.
• A wipeout for the Labour Party in next May’s council elections could spell the end of Starmer's leadership, MPs have said, after the Labour experienced a crushing defeat in its Welsh heartland.
• Rishi Sunak was the only politician provided a witness statement by the security official involved in a controversy over the collapse of a case against two British men alleged of spying for China.

The result of the deputy leader contest is scheduled to be declared at 10am BST.