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The Labour Party is ready to announce its new deputy leader today, with polling data indicating Lucy Powell in front of Bridget Phillipson as voting ended on Thursday.

Today's Political Agenda

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

• 10am: The party's deputy chief will be announced in central London. Speeches are anticipated following the announcement from the winner and the PM.
• 1:00 PM: Protesters from opposing groups are likely to descend on different sides of the capital after authorities prohibited Ukip activists from gathering in Whitechapel due to fears of public unrest.
• Today: Vote counting begins to determine the new head of state of the Irish Republic.

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

Campaign Key Points and Candidate Stances

During the election race, Lucy Powell often referred to mistakes made by the party on issues such as the winter fuel allowance. In a final message to supporters, she seemed to question a command and control culture within the administration, arguing that blindly following along was a dereliction of responsibility.

If Powell wins, the outcome is expected to be seen as a criticism to the prime minister's leadership from Labour members.

Keir Starmer has already endured a challenging period, dominated by a dispute over the grooming gangs investigation and a loss in the Welsh assembly by-election in the Caerphilly seat.

The party's difficulties in the opinion polls have sparked doubts among backbenchers about Starmer’s leadership.

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

Meanwhile, Phillipson, regarded as Number 10's preferred candidate, has stressed unity, cautioning that voting for her opponent would result in party disputes and splits that could lead the Labour back to opposition.

Other News Highlights

• Reducing the cash Isa limit may not encourage savers to switch to shares but could push up home loan rates, MPs have cautioned the finance minister.
• A wipeout for the Labour Party in the upcoming local elections could signal the termination of Starmer's leadership, parliamentarians have stated, after the party experienced a significant loss in Wales.
• Rishi Sunak was the sole MP 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 espionage for China.

The outcome of the deputy leadership election is expected to be declared at 10:00 AM British Summer Time.