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The Labour Party is poised to reveal its new deputy chief today, with polling data pointing to Lucy Powell ahead of Bridget Phillipson as balloting closed on Thursday.

The Day's Schedule of Events

Presented is the political timeline for Saturday, based on the news schedule:

• 10am: The party's deputy chief will be announced in London. Speeches are expected afterwards from the victor and the PM.
• 1:00 PM: Demonstrators from rival factions are likely to descend on separate areas of the capital after police prohibited Ukip activists from gathering in Whitechapel due to concerns of serious disorder.
• Today: Vote counting begins to reveal the next president of Ireland.

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

Campaign Highlights and Candidate Positions

During the campaign, Powell often mentioned mistakes made by the party on matters such as the winter fuel allowance. In a final message to supporters, she seemed to question a top-down approach within the administration, stating that blindly following along was a failure of duty.

If Powell does emerge victorious, the result is expected to be seen as a criticism to Keir Starmer's leadership from party members.

The prime minister has recently endured a challenging week, dominated by a row over the grooming gangs investigation and a defeat in the Senedd byelection in Caerphilly.

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

Lucy Powell has stressed that she wants to help Keir and our government to succeed but also informed supporters the party needs to adapt how it operates to turn things around.

Meanwhile, Phillipson, regarded as Number 10's preferred candidate, has highlighted cohesion, warning that choosing 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 persuade investors to switch to shares but could push up mortgage costs, lawmakers have cautioned the finance minister.
• A wipeout for the Labour Party in next May’s council elections could signal the termination of Keir Starmer’s premiership, MPs have stated, after the party experienced a significant loss in its Welsh heartland.
• Rishi Sunak was the only politician provided a testimonial by the security official involved in a dispute over the collapse of a legal case against two UK nationals alleged of spying for China.

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