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The Labour Party is ready to announce its fresh deputy chief today, with polling data pointing to Lucy Powell leading the education secretary as voting concluded on the previous Thursday.

The Day's Political Agenda

Here is the politics timeline for today, based on the PA news agency:

• 10am: Labour’s new deputy leader is set to be revealed in central London. Speeches are anticipated following the announcement from the victor and the PM.
• 1pm: Protesters from rival factions are expected to gather in separate areas of the capital after authorities prohibited Ukip supporters from gathering in Whitechapel due to concerns of serious disorder.
• Saturday: Counting begins to determine the next president of Ireland.

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

Election Key Points and Contender Stances

Throughout the campaign, Lucy Powell often referred to mistakes made by the Labour Party on issues such as the winter fuel allowance. In a final message to backers, she appeared to criticise a command and control approach within the administration, arguing that blindly following along was a failure of responsibility.

Should Powell does emerge victorious, the result is likely to be seen as a criticism to the prime minister's leadership from party members.

The prime minister has recently endured a challenging week, dominated by a dispute over the grooming gangs investigation and a defeat in the Senedd byelection in Caerphilly.

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

Lucy Powell has stressed that she aims to support the PM and administration to prosper but also told followers the Labour needs to adapt how it functions to turn things around.

In contrast, Bridget Phillipson, regarded as the prime minister's preferred candidate, has highlighted unity, warning that voting for her rival would result in party disputes and splits that could lead the party back to opposition.

Additional News Highlights

• Cutting the cash Isa limit may not persuade savers to invest in stocks but could increase mortgage costs, MPs have cautioned the finance minister.
• A heavy defeat for Labour in next May’s council elections could signal the termination of Starmer's leadership, MPs have stated, after the party experienced a crushing defeat in its Welsh heartland.
• The former prime minister was the sole MP provided a testimonial by the security official involved in a controversy over the dismissal of a legal case against two UK nationals accused of spying for China.

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