Labour's New Deputy Leader Set to Be Declared This Saturday

The Labour Party is ready to declare its new deputy chief today, with polling data suggesting the Manchester Central MP leading Bridget Phillipson as balloting ended on Thursday.

The Day's Political Agenda

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

• 10:00 AM: Labour’s new deputy leader will be announced in central London. Addresses are anticipated afterwards from the winner and the prime minister.
• 1:00 PM: Demonstrators from rival factions are likely to gather in separate areas of the capital after authorities banned Ukip activists from assembling in an East London area due to fears of serious disorder.
• Saturday: Vote counting begins to determine the new head of state of Ireland.

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

Election Key Points and Candidate Stances

During the campaign, Powell frequently mentioned errors made by the Labour Party on issues such as the winter heating payments. In a closing statement to backers, she seemed to question a command and control culture within government, arguing that unquestioning compliance was a failure of duty.

If Powell does emerge victorious, the outcome is likely to be seen as a rebuke to the prime minister's leadership from Labour members.

The prime minister has recently faced a difficult week, marked by a dispute over the grooming gangs inquiry and a loss in the Senedd byelection in Caerphilly.

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

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

In contrast, Phillipson, regarded as Number 10's favored choice, has highlighted cohesion, cautioning that voting for her rival would result in internal debate and divisions that could return the party back to opposition.

Other News Highlights

• Cutting the annual cash Isa allowance may not persuade savers to invest in stocks but could increase mortgage costs, lawmakers have cautioned the finance minister.
• A heavy defeat for the Labour Party in the upcoming council elections could signal the termination of Starmer's leadership, parliamentarians have said, after the Labour experienced a significant loss in Wales.
• Rishi Sunak was the only politician sent a witness statement by the deputy national security adviser involved in a controversy over the collapse of a legal case against two British men alleged of espionage for China.

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