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

The Day's Schedule of Events

Below is the political agenda for Saturday, as per the news schedule:

• 10am: The party's deputy chief is set to be revealed in central London. Speeches are expected following the announcement from the winner and the PM.
• 1:00 PM: Demonstrators from opposing groups are expected to descend on different sides of London after police prohibited Ukip activists from gathering in an East London area due to concerns of public unrest.
• Today: Counting begins to determine the new head of state of Ireland.

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

Campaign Key Points and Candidate Stances

During the election race, Lucy Powell often mentioned mistakes made by the party on matters such as the winter heating payments. In a closing statement to supporters, she seemed to question a command and control culture within the administration, arguing that blindly following along was a dereliction of duty.

Should Powell does emerge victorious, the result is expected to be seen as a rebuke to Keir Starmer's leadership from Labour members.

Keir Starmer has already endured a challenging period, marked by a dispute over the grooming gangs inquiry and a loss in the Senedd byelection in Caerphilly.

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

Lucy Powell has stressed that she aims to help Keir and our government to prosper but also informed followers the party must change how it operates to improve the situation.

Meanwhile, Phillipson, regarded as Number 10's preferred candidate, has stressed unity, cautioning that choosing her rival would result in internal debate and splits that could return the party 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 council elections could signal the termination of Keir Starmer’s premiership, parliamentarians have stated, after the Labour suffered a significant loss in its Welsh heartland.
• The former prime minister was the only politician sent a testimonial by the deputy national security adviser involved in a controversy over the dismissal of a legal case against two UK nationals alleged of spying for China.

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