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The Labour Party is poised to declare its new deputy leader today, with surveys indicating the Manchester Central MP leading Bridget Phillipson as balloting ended on the previous Thursday.

The Day's Schedule of Events

Below is the politics timeline for Saturday, as per the PA news agency:

• 10am: The party's deputy chief is set to be revealed 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 London after police banned Ukip supporters from assembling in Whitechapel due to concerns of serious disorder.
• Today: Vote counting begins to reveal the new head of state of the Irish Republic.

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

Election Key Points and Contender Positions

Throughout the campaign, Powell often referred to mistakes made by the party on matters such as the winter heating payments. In a final message to backers, she seemed to question a top-down approach within government, arguing that blindly following along was a failure of duty.

If Powell wins, the result is likely to be seen as a rebuke to Keir Starmer's governance from Labour members.

Keir Starmer has recently endured a difficult week, marked by a dispute over the grooming gangs investigation and a loss in the Welsh assembly by-election in Caerphilly.

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

Lucy Powell has stressed that she aims to help Keir and our government to prosper but also informed followers the party must change how it operates to turn things around.

In contrast, Bridget Phillipson, regarded as Number 10's favored choice, has highlighted unity, warning that voting for her opponent would result in internal debate and splits that could return the Labour back to being in opposition.

Other News Highlights

• Reducing the annual cash Isa allowance may not persuade savers to switch to shares but could increase mortgage costs, MPs have cautioned the finance minister.
• A wipeout for Labour in next May’s council elections could spell the end of Keir Starmer’s premiership, MPs have said, after the Labour suffered a crushing defeat in Wales.
• Rishi Sunak was the only politician sent a witness statement by the security official implicated in a controversy over the collapse of a legal case against two British men accused of espionage for China.

The result of the deputy leader contest is scheduled to be announced at 10:00 AM British Summer Time.