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The Labour Party is set to declare its fresh deputy leader today, with polls pointing to the Manchester Central MP leading the education secretary as voting concluded on Thursday.

Today's Political Agenda

Presented is the political schedule for Saturday, according to the PA news agency:

• 10am: Labour’s new deputy leader will be announced in London. Addresses are expected following the announcement from the victor and the PM.
• 1:00 PM: Demonstrators from opposing groups are expected to descend on separate areas of the capital after authorities prohibited Ukip supporters from gathering in an East London area due to concerns of public unrest.
• Saturday: Vote counting starts to determine the next president of the Irish Republic.

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

Election Highlights and Candidate Stances

During the election race, Powell often referred to errors made by the Labour Party on matters such as the winter heating payments. In a final message to supporters, she appeared to criticise a top-down culture within the administration, stating that unquestioning compliance was a dereliction of responsibility.

If Powell wins, the result is likely to be seen as a criticism to Keir Starmer's governance from party members.

The prime minister has already faced a challenging period, marked by a row over the grooming gangs inquiry and a defeat in the Welsh assembly by-election in Caerphilly.

The party's difficulties in the polls have led to doubts among backbenchers about the leader's position.

Lucy Powell has stressed that she aims to support the PM and administration to succeed but also informed supporters the party needs to adapt how it functions to improve the situation.

Meanwhile, Phillipson, regarded as the prime minister's favored choice, has highlighted cohesion, cautioning that choosing her rival would result in internal debate and divisions that could lead the party back to opposition.

Other News Highlights

• Cutting the cash Isa limit may not encourage investors to invest in stocks but could push up home loan rates, MPs have cautioned the finance minister.
• A heavy defeat for the Labour Party in the upcoming council elections could spell the end of Starmer's leadership, MPs have stated, after the party suffered a crushing defeat in its Welsh heartland.
• Rishi Sunak was the only politician sent a testimonial by the deputy national security adviser involved in a dispute over the dismissal of a case against two British men accused of spying for China.

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