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The Labour Party is set to declare its fresh deputy chief this Saturday, with polling data pointing to Lucy Powell leading Bridget Phillipson as balloting closed on Thursday.

Today's Political Agenda

Here is the politics schedule for Saturday, based on the PA news agency:

• 10am: Labour’s new deputy leader will be announced in London. Addresses are anticipated afterwards from the winner and the prime minister.
• 1:00 PM: Demonstrators from opposing groups are expected to descend on different sides of the capital after police prohibited Ukip activists from assembling in an East London area due to fears of public unrest.
• Saturday: Vote counting begins to determine the new head of state of the Irish Republic.

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

Campaign Highlights and Candidate Positions

Throughout the campaign, Powell often referred to mistakes made by the party on issues such as the winter fuel allowance. In a closing statement to backers, she seemed to question a command and control culture within the administration, stating that blindly following along was a failure of responsibility.

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

The prime minister has recently faced a challenging week, marked by a dispute over the grooming gangs inquiry and a loss in the Senedd byelection in Caerphilly.

Labour’s struggles in the polls have sparked questions among MPs about the leader's position.

Lucy Powell has stressed that she aims to support the PM and administration to prosper but also told followers the Labour must change how it operates to improve the situation.

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

Other Political Headlines

• Cutting 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 wipeout for Labour in next May’s local elections could spell the end of Keir Starmer’s premiership, MPs have stated, after the Labour suffered a crushing defeat in its Welsh heartland.
• Rishi Sunak was the only politician sent a testimonial by the security official involved in a controversy over the collapse of a legal case against two British men alleged of spying for China.

The result of the deputy leadership election is expected to be announced at 10am BST.