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Labour is set to declare its new deputy chief this Saturday, with surveys pointing to Lucy Powell ahead of the education secretary as balloting closed on the previous Thursday.

Today's Schedule of Events

Presented is the politics timeline for today, according to the news schedule:

• 10am: Labour’s new deputy leader will be announced in central London. Speeches are expected following the announcement from the victor and the PM.
• 1pm: Demonstrators from rival factions are likely to gather in separate areas of London after authorities banned Ukip supporters from gathering in Whitechapel due to concerns of serious disorder.
• Saturday: Counting begins to determine the new head of state of the Irish Republic.

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

Election Highlights and Contender Stances

Throughout the campaign, Powell often referred to errors made by the party on matters such as the winter fuel allowance. In a final message to backers, she seemed to question a top-down culture within government, arguing that blindly following along was a failure of duty.

Should Powell wins, the outcome is expected to be seen as a rebuke to the prime minister's governance from party members.

Keir Starmer has already endured a challenging week, marked by a row over the grooming gangs inquiry and a defeat in the Welsh assembly by-election in the Caerphilly seat.

Labour’s struggles in the polls have sparked doubts among backbenchers about Starmer’s leadership.

Lucy Powell has stressed that she wants to support the PM and administration to prosper but also informed supporters the party must change how it operates to turn things around.

Meanwhile, Bridget Phillipson, regarded as Number 10's preferred candidate, has stressed unity, warning that choosing her rival would result in internal debate and splits that could return the Labour back to being in opposition.

Other Political Headlines

• Reducing the annual cash Isa allowance may not persuade investors to invest in stocks but could increase mortgage costs, lawmakers have cautioned the finance minister.
• A heavy defeat for Labour in next May’s council elections could signal the termination of Starmer's leadership, parliamentarians have said, after the Labour suffered a crushing defeat in its Welsh heartland.
• The former prime minister was the only politician sent a testimonial by the security official implicated in a controversy over the dismissal of a legal case against two UK nationals accused of espionage for China.

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