The Labour Party's New Deputy Leader to Be Revealed Today

The Labour Party is set to reveal its new deputy chief today, with polls suggesting the Manchester Central MP leading the education secretary as balloting concluded on Thursday.

Today's Political Agenda

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

• 10:00 AM: Labour’s new deputy leader is set to be revealed in London. Addresses are anticipated following the announcement from the victor and the PM.
• 1:00 PM: Demonstrators from rival factions are likely to gather in separate areas of London after police banned Ukip activists from gathering in Whitechapel due to concerns of serious disorder.
• Today: Counting begins to determine the new head of state of Ireland.

Meanwhile, the Epping Forest MP Neil Hudson is conducting the morning media rounds for the Tory party.

Campaign Highlights and Candidate Positions

During the campaign, Powell frequently mentioned errors made by the party on issues such as the winter fuel allowance. In a closing statement to supporters, she appeared to criticise a command and control culture within government, stating that unquestioning compliance was a failure of responsibility.

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

Keir Starmer has already faced a difficult week, dominated by a row over the grooming gangs investigation and a loss in the Senedd byelection in Caerphilly.

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

Powell has stressed that she wants to help Keir and our government to prosper but also informed supporters the Labour must change how it operates to improve the situation.

In contrast, Bridget Phillipson, seen as the prime minister's favored choice, has highlighted unity, cautioning that voting for her rival would result in internal debate and divisions that could lead the Labour back to being in opposition.

Other News Highlights

• Cutting the annual cash Isa allowance may not persuade investors to invest in stocks but could increase mortgage costs, MPs have warned the finance minister.
• A heavy defeat for the Labour Party in the upcoming local elections could spell the end of Starmer's leadership, MPs have said, after the party experienced a crushing defeat in its Welsh heartland.
• The former prime minister was the only politician sent a testimonial by the security official implicated in a dispute over the dismissal of a legal case against two British men accused of spying for China.

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