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Labour is ready to reveal its fresh deputy chief this Saturday, with polling data pointing to the Manchester Central MP in front of the education secretary as voting closed on the previous Thursday.

Today's Political Agenda

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

• 10:00 AM: Labour’s new deputy leader will be announced in London. Speeches are expected following the announcement from the winner and the prime minister.
• 1pm: Protesters from rival factions are expected to descend on separate areas of London after authorities prohibited Ukip supporters from assembling in Whitechapel due to concerns of serious disorder.
• Saturday: Counting starts to reveal the next president of Ireland.

Meanwhile, Epping Forest MP Neil Hudson is on the morning media rounds for the Conservatives.

Campaign Key Points and Contender Positions

Throughout the campaign, Lucy Powell frequently mentioned mistakes made by the Labour Party on issues such as the winter heating payments. In a final message to supporters, she seemed to question a top-down approach within the administration, arguing that blindly following along was a failure of duty.

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

The prime minister has already faced a difficult week, dominated by a dispute over the grooming gangs inquiry and a defeat in the Senedd byelection in the Caerphilly seat.

The party's difficulties in the polls have led to doubts among MPs about Starmer’s leadership.

Lucy Powell has emphasized that she wants to help Keir and our government to prosper but also told supporters the Labour must change how it functions to turn things around.

In contrast, Bridget Phillipson, seen as Number 10's favored choice, has stressed unity, cautioning that choosing her rival would result in party disputes and divisions that could lead the party back to being in opposition.

Other Political Headlines

• Reducing the cash Isa limit may not encourage investors to invest in stocks but could push up mortgage costs, lawmakers have warned the finance minister.
• A wipeout for the Labour Party in next May’s local elections could spell the end of Keir Starmer’s premiership, MPs have said, after the Labour suffered a crushing defeat in Wales.
• Rishi Sunak was the sole MP sent a witness statement by the security official implicated in a controversy over the dismissal of a legal case against two UK nationals accused of spying for China.

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