Labour's New Deputy Leader Set to Be Announced Today

Labour is poised to announce its new deputy leader this Saturday, with polls indicating Lucy Powell in front of the education secretary as voting concluded on Thursday.

The Day's Political Agenda

Here is the politics agenda for today, according to the news schedule:

• 10:00 AM: Labour’s new deputy leader is set to be revealed in London. Speeches are anticipated afterwards from the winner and the PM.
• 1pm: Demonstrators from rival factions are likely to gather in separate areas of London after police prohibited Ukip activists from assembling in an East London area due to fears of public unrest.
• Saturday: Counting starts to determine the next president of Ireland.

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

Campaign Highlights and Candidate Positions

Throughout the campaign, Lucy Powell often referred to mistakes made by the party on issues 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 blindly following along was a dereliction of responsibility.

If Powell wins, the outcome is likely to be seen as a criticism to the prime minister's leadership from Labour members.

Keir Starmer has already endured a challenging week, dominated by a dispute over the grooming gangs investigation and a loss in the Senedd byelection in Caerphilly.

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

Lucy Powell has emphasized that she aims 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, Bridget Phillipson, seen as Number 10's preferred candidate, has highlighted unity, warning that choosing her opponent would result in internal debate and splits that could lead the Labour back to being in opposition.

Other Political Headlines

• Cutting the cash Isa limit may not persuade investors to invest in stocks but could push up home loan rates, MPs have cautioned the chancellor.
• A heavy defeat for the Labour Party in the upcoming council elections could spell the end of Keir Starmer’s premiership, parliamentarians have said, after the Labour experienced a crushing defeat in its Welsh heartland.
• Rishi Sunak was the sole MP provided a testimonial by the deputy national security adviser implicated in a dispute over the collapse of a case against two British men accused of spying for China.

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