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The Labour Party is poised to reveal its new deputy chief today, with polling data pointing to the Manchester Central MP in front of Bridget Phillipson as balloting concluded on Thursday.

The Day's Schedule of Events

Below is the politics timeline for today, according to the PA news agency:

• 10am: Labour’s new deputy leader will be announced in London. Addresses are anticipated following the announcement from the victor and the PM.
• 1:00 PM: Protesters from opposing groups are expected to descend on separate areas of the capital after authorities banned Ukip activists from assembling in an East London area due to concerns of public unrest.
• Saturday: Counting starts to reveal the next president of Ireland.

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

Election Key Points and Contender Stances

Throughout the campaign, Powell often referred to errors made by the party on matters such as the winter heating payments. In a final message to supporters, she seemed to question a top-down culture within the administration, arguing that blindly following along was a failure of duty.

If Powell does emerge victorious, the result is likely to be seen as a criticism to the prime minister's governance from party members.

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

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

Powell has stressed that she wants to support the PM and administration to prosper but also informed supporters the party needs to adapt how it operates to improve the situation.

Meanwhile, Bridget Phillipson, seen as Number 10's favored choice, has stressed cohesion, cautioning that choosing her opponent would result in internal debate and divisions that could lead the party back to being in opposition.

Additional News Highlights

• Cutting the annual cash Isa allowance may not encourage savers to switch to shares but could push up home loan rates, MPs have warned the finance minister.
• A wipeout for the Labour Party in the upcoming council elections could spell the end of Keir Starmer’s premiership, MPs have said, after the Labour suffered a crushing defeat in Wales.
• Rishi Sunak was the only politician provided a witness statement by the security official implicated in a controversy over the dismissal of a case against two British men alleged of spying for China.

The outcome of the deputy leader contest is expected to be announced at 10:00 AM British Summer Time.