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The Labour Party is poised to declare its fresh deputy chief today, with surveys pointing to Lucy Powell leading Bridget Phillipson as balloting concluded on Thursday.

The Day's Schedule of Events

Here is the politics timeline for today, as per the PA news agency:

• 10:00 AM: The party's deputy chief will be announced in London. Speeches are expected following the announcement from the victor and the prime minister.
• 1:00 PM: Demonstrators from rival factions are likely to gather in different sides of London after authorities banned Ukip supporters from gathering in Whitechapel due to fears of public unrest.
• Saturday: Counting starts to reveal the next president of Ireland.

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

Election Key Points and Contender Stances

Throughout the campaign, Lucy Powell often referred to errors 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 government, arguing that blindly following along was a dereliction of responsibility.

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

The prime minister has recently faced a difficult period, dominated by a dispute over the grooming gangs investigation and a loss in the Senedd byelection in the Caerphilly seat.

Labour’s struggles in the polls have sparked doubts among MPs about the leader's position.

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

In contrast, Phillipson, seen as Number 10's preferred candidate, has stressed unity, cautioning that choosing her opponent would result in party disputes and divisions that could lead the Labour back to opposition.

Other News Highlights

• Reducing the cash Isa limit may not persuade investors to switch to shares but could push up mortgage costs, MPs have cautioned the finance minister.
• A heavy defeat for Labour in next May’s local elections could spell the end of Starmer's leadership, parliamentarians have stated, after the party experienced a crushing defeat in Wales.
• The former prime minister was the only politician sent a witness statement by the deputy national security adviser involved in a dispute over the dismissal of a legal case against two British men accused of espionage for China.

The result of the deputy leadership election is expected to be declared at 10am BST.