🔗 Share this article

The Labour Party is set to declare its new deputy chief today, with polling data suggesting the Manchester Central MP ahead of the education secretary as balloting concluded on Thursday.

The Day's Schedule of Events

Below is the political agenda for Saturday, according to 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 prime minister.
• 1pm: Protesters from opposing groups are expected to gather in different sides of the capital after police prohibited Ukip supporters from assembling in Whitechapel due to concerns of public unrest.
• Today: Counting starts to reveal the next president of the Irish Republic.

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

Election Key Points and Candidate Positions

Throughout the election race, Lucy Powell frequently referred to errors made by the party on issues such as the winter fuel allowance. In a final message to backers, she seemed to question a top-down culture within the administration, arguing that unquestioning compliance was a dereliction of responsibility.

Should Powell wins, the result is expected to be seen as a rebuke to Keir Starmer's leadership from Labour members.

Keir Starmer has recently faced a difficult week, dominated by a row over the grooming gangs inquiry and a defeat in the Senedd byelection in the Caerphilly seat.

Labour’s struggles in the polls have led to doubts among backbenchers about Starmer’s leadership.

Powell has stressed that she aims to support the PM and administration to prosper but also told followers the party must change how it functions to turn things around.

Meanwhile, Bridget Phillipson, regarded as Number 10's favored choice, has stressed unity, warning that voting for her rival would result in internal debate and splits that could return the party back to opposition.

Other News Highlights

• Cutting the cash Isa limit may not encourage savers to invest in stocks but could push up mortgage costs, lawmakers have warned the chancellor.
• A heavy defeat for the Labour Party in next May’s local elections could signal the termination of Starmer's leadership, MPs have said, after the Labour experienced a crushing defeat in Wales.
• Rishi Sunak was the only politician sent a testimonial by the security official implicated in a controversy over the dismissal of a case against two UK nationals accused of espionage for China.

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