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The Labour Party is poised to declare its new deputy chief today, with polling data pointing to Lucy Powell leading Bridget Phillipson as balloting ended on Thursday.

Today's Political Agenda

Here is the political timeline for today, as per the news schedule:

• 10:00 AM: The party's deputy chief will be announced in London. Speeches are anticipated afterwards from the winner and the prime minister.
• 1pm: Demonstrators from rival factions are likely to descend on separate areas of London after authorities banned Ukip activists from assembling in an East London area due to fears of public unrest.
• Today: Vote counting begins to reveal the next president of Ireland.

Meanwhile, the Epping Forest MP Conservative MP Neil Hudson is on the media interviews for the Conservatives.

Election Highlights and Contender Stances

During the campaign, Lucy Powell frequently referred to mistakes made by the party on issues such as the winter heating payments. In a closing statement to supporters, she appeared to criticise a command and control culture within government, arguing that unquestioning compliance was a failure of duty.

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

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

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

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

Meanwhile, Bridget Phillipson, regarded as the prime minister's favored choice, has stressed unity, cautioning that voting for her opponent would result in party disputes and divisions that could return the Labour back to opposition.

Additional News Highlights

• Cutting the cash Isa limit may not persuade savers to invest in stocks but could push up home loan rates, MPs have warned the chancellor.
• A heavy defeat for the Labour Party in next May’s council elections could signal the termination of Keir Starmer’s premiership, MPs have said, after the Labour experienced a significant loss in its Welsh heartland.
• Rishi Sunak was the only politician sent a witness statement by the deputy national security adviser involved in a dispute over the collapse of a legal case against two British men accused of espionage for China.

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