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Labour is ready to announce its fresh deputy chief today, with polls pointing to Lucy Powell ahead of Bridget Phillipson as balloting closed on Thursday.

Today's Political Agenda

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

• 10:00 AM: Labour’s new deputy leader will be announced in London. Addresses are anticipated following the announcement from the winner and the PM.
• 1pm: Demonstrators from rival factions are likely to gather in separate areas of London after authorities prohibited Ukip supporters from gathering in Whitechapel due to fears of public unrest.
• Saturday: Counting begins to determine the next president of Ireland.

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

Campaign Highlights and Contender Positions

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

If Powell does emerge victorious, the result is expected to be seen as a rebuke to Keir Starmer's leadership from party members.

The prime minister has recently endured a difficult period, dominated by a dispute over the grooming gangs inquiry and a loss in the Welsh assembly by-election in Caerphilly.

Labour’s struggles in the polls have led to questions among backbenchers about the leader's position.

Lucy Powell has emphasized that she wants to help Keir and our government to succeed but also informed followers the party needs to adapt how it functions to turn things around.

In contrast, Bridget Phillipson, seen as Number 10's favored choice, has highlighted unity, cautioning that choosing her opponent would result in internal debate and splits that could return the party back to being in opposition.

Other News Highlights

• Reducing the cash Isa limit may not persuade investors to switch to shares but could push up home loan rates, MPs have cautioned the chancellor.
• A heavy defeat for Labour in next May’s local elections could signal the termination of Keir Starmer’s premiership, parliamentarians have said, after the party suffered a crushing defeat in Wales.
• Rishi Sunak was the only politician provided a testimonial by the deputy national security adviser implicated in a dispute over the collapse of a legal case against two British men alleged of espionage for China.

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