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Labour is poised to announce its fresh deputy chief today, with polls suggesting Lucy Powell leading the education secretary as voting concluded on Thursday.

The Day's Schedule of Events

Presented is the politics schedule for today, as per the PA news agency:

• 10am: The party's deputy chief will be announced in central London. Addresses are expected following the announcement from the winner and the prime minister.
• 1:00 PM: Demonstrators from opposing groups are likely to descend on separate areas of the capital after authorities banned Ukip supporters from gathering in Whitechapel due to concerns of public unrest.
• Today: Counting begins to determine the new head of state of the Irish Republic.

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

Election Key Points and Candidate Stances

During the election race, Lucy Powell frequently mentioned errors made by the party on matters such as the winter fuel allowance. In a final message to backers, she appeared to criticise a command and control approach within the administration, stating that blindly following along was a dereliction of duty.

If Powell does emerge victorious, the result is likely to be seen as a rebuke to Keir Starmer's governance from Labour members.

The prime minister has already faced a difficult period, marked by a dispute over the grooming gangs investigation and a defeat in the Senedd byelection in the Caerphilly seat.

Labour’s struggles in the opinion polls have led to questions among MPs about the leader's position.

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

Meanwhile, Phillipson, regarded as Number 10's favored choice, has highlighted unity, cautioning that voting for her opponent would result in internal debate and splits that could return the party back to opposition.

Other News Highlights

• Cutting the cash Isa limit may not persuade investors 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 the upcoming local elections could spell the end of Keir Starmer’s premiership, MPs have stated, after the party suffered a significant loss in its Welsh heartland.
• The former prime minister was the only politician sent a witness statement by the security official implicated in a dispute over the collapse of a legal case against two UK nationals accused of espionage for China.

The result of the deputy leader contest is expected to be declared at 10am BST.