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Labour is set to reveal its fresh deputy leader today, with polls indicating Lucy Powell in front of the education secretary as balloting closed on Thursday.

Today's Political Agenda

Below is the politics agenda for today, based on the news schedule:

• 10am: Labour’s new deputy leader will be announced in central London. Speeches are anticipated afterwards from the winner and the PM.
• 1:00 PM: Demonstrators from opposing groups are likely to gather in separate areas of the capital after police prohibited Ukip activists from assembling in an East London area due to concerns of serious disorder.
• Saturday: Counting starts to determine the new head of state of Ireland.

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

Election Key Points and Candidate Positions

Throughout the election race, Lucy Powell frequently referred to mistakes made by the party on matters such as the winter fuel allowance. In a closing statement to supporters, she appeared to criticise a command and control approach within the administration, arguing that unquestioning compliance was a dereliction of responsibility.

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

The prime minister has already endured a challenging week, marked by a row over the grooming gangs inquiry and a loss in the Welsh assembly by-election in the Caerphilly seat.

The party's difficulties in the opinion polls have led to questions among backbenchers about the leader's position.

Lucy Powell has stressed that she aims to support the PM and administration to prosper but also told supporters the Labour needs to adapt how it operates to improve the situation.

In contrast, Phillipson, regarded as Number 10's favored choice, has stressed unity, warning that voting for her rival would result in party disputes and divisions that could return the party back to being in opposition.

Other Political Headlines

• Cutting the cash Isa limit may not encourage investors to invest in stocks but could increase home loan rates, lawmakers have cautioned the chancellor.
• A heavy defeat for the Labour Party in the upcoming local elections could signal the termination of Keir Starmer’s premiership, MPs have stated, after the Labour suffered a significant loss in Wales.
• The former prime minister was the sole MP provided a testimonial by the security official implicated in a controversy over the collapse of a case against two UK nationals accused of spying for China.

The outcome of the deputy leader contest is expected to be announced at 10am BST.