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Labour is set to reveal its new deputy leader today, with polling data indicating Lucy Powell leading Bridget Phillipson as balloting ended on Thursday.

Today's Political Agenda

Below is the political agenda for today, according to the PA news agency:

• 10:00 AM: Labour’s new deputy leader will be announced in central London. Speeches are anticipated afterwards from the victor and the PM.
• 1:00 PM: Protesters from opposing groups are expected to descend on different sides of London after police banned Ukip activists from gathering in Whitechapel due to fears of public unrest.
• Saturday: Counting starts to determine the new head of state of Ireland.

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

Election Highlights and Contender Stances

During the election race, Powell frequently mentioned mistakes made by the Labour Party on matters such as the winter heating payments. In a final message to supporters, she appeared to criticise a command and control culture within government, stating that blindly following along was a failure of duty.

Should Powell does emerge victorious, the outcome is expected to be seen as a rebuke to the prime minister's leadership from Labour members.

Keir Starmer has already endured a difficult week, dominated by a row over the grooming gangs inquiry and a loss in the Welsh assembly by-election in Caerphilly.

Labour’s struggles in the opinion polls have sparked doubts among MPs about the leader's position.

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

Meanwhile, Phillipson, regarded as Number 10's preferred candidate, has highlighted unity, warning that choosing her rival would result in internal debate and splits that could lead the Labour back to opposition.

Additional News Highlights

• Cutting the annual cash Isa allowance may not encourage investors to switch to shares but could push up home loan rates, lawmakers have warned the chancellor.
• A wipeout for the Labour Party in the upcoming local elections could signal the termination of Starmer's leadership, parliamentarians have said, after the Labour experienced a crushing defeat in its Welsh heartland.
• The former prime minister was the only politician sent a testimonial by the security official involved in a dispute over the collapse of a legal case against two British men accused of espionage for China.

The result of the deputy leadership election is expected to be announced at 10:00 AM British Summer Time.