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The Labour Party is set to announce its new deputy leader this Saturday, with surveys indicating the Manchester Central MP in front of Bridget Phillipson as balloting closed on the previous Thursday.

Today's Political Agenda

Here is the political agenda for Saturday, based on the PA news agency:

• 10am: The party's deputy chief is set to be revealed in London. Addresses are anticipated afterwards from the victor and the prime minister.
• 1pm: Demonstrators from opposing groups are expected to descend on different sides of the capital after police prohibited Ukip supporters from gathering in an East London area due to concerns of serious disorder.
• Today: Counting starts to determine the new head of state of the Irish Republic.

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

Campaign Highlights and Contender Positions

Throughout the election race, Lucy Powell often referred to mistakes made by the Labour Party on matters such as the winter fuel allowance. In a final message to supporters, she seemed to question a command and control approach within the administration, arguing that unquestioning compliance was a dereliction of duty.

If Powell does emerge victorious, the outcome is expected to be seen as a criticism to Keir Starmer'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 defeat in the Senedd byelection in Caerphilly.

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

Powell has emphasized that she wants to support the PM and administration to prosper but also informed supporters the Labour needs to adapt how it functions to improve the situation.

Meanwhile, Phillipson, regarded as the prime minister's favored choice, has stressed cohesion, cautioning that voting for her rival would result in internal debate and divisions that could lead the party back to being in opposition.

Other News Highlights

• Cutting the annual cash Isa allowance may not persuade savers to switch to shares but could push up home loan rates, MPs have cautioned the finance minister.
• A wipeout for the Labour Party in the upcoming 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 provided a testimonial by the deputy national security adviser involved in a controversy over the dismissal of a legal case against two British men accused of espionage for China.

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