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Labour is poised to announce its new deputy leader today, with polling data pointing to Lucy Powell in front of the education secretary as voting closed on the previous Thursday.

Today's Political Agenda

Here is the politics timeline for today, according to the PA news agency:

• 10:00 AM: Labour’s new deputy leader is set to be revealed in London. Speeches are expected afterwards from the winner and the prime minister.
• 1pm: Protesters from rival factions are expected to descend on different sides of the capital after authorities prohibited Ukip supporters from assembling in Whitechapel due to concerns of public unrest.
• Today: Counting begins 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

During the election race, Powell frequently mentioned mistakes made by the Labour Party on issues such as the winter fuel allowance. In a closing statement to supporters, she seemed to question a top-down culture within government, arguing that blindly following along was a failure of duty.

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

The prime minister has recently endured a difficult week, dominated by a dispute over the grooming gangs inquiry and a defeat in the Senedd byelection in Caerphilly.

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

Lucy Powell has emphasized that she wants to support the PM and administration to succeed but also told followers the Labour needs to adapt how it operates to turn things around.

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

Other Political Headlines

• Reducing the cash Isa limit may not persuade savers to switch to shares but could push up home loan rates, MPs have warned the finance minister.
• A heavy defeat for the Labour Party in next May’s local elections could signal the termination of Keir Starmer’s premiership, MPs have said, after the Labour suffered a crushing defeat in Wales.
• Rishi Sunak was the sole MP sent a testimonial by the security official implicated in a dispute over the collapse of a legal case against two UK nationals accused of spying for China.

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