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The Labour Party is ready to declare its fresh deputy chief today, with polling data indicating the Manchester Central MP ahead of Bridget Phillipson as voting ended on Thursday.

Today's Political Agenda

Below is the political timeline for Saturday, based on the PA news agency:

• 10am: Labour’s new deputy leader is set to be revealed in central London. Speeches are expected afterwards from the winner and the PM.
• 1pm: Demonstrators from opposing groups are likely to descend on different sides of London after police banned Ukip activists from gathering in an East London area due to concerns of public unrest.
• Saturday: Counting begins to reveal the next president of Ireland.

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

Campaign Key Points and Candidate Stances

Throughout the election race, Lucy Powell frequently referred to errors made by the Labour 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 responsibility.

If Powell wins, the result is expected to be seen as a rebuke to Keir Starmer's governance from Labour members.

The prime minister has already faced a challenging week, dominated by a row over the grooming gangs investigation and a loss in the Welsh assembly by-election in the Caerphilly seat.

The party's difficulties in the opinion polls have led to doubts among backbenchers about the leader's position.

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

In contrast, Phillipson, seen as the prime minister'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.

Additional News Highlights

• Reducing the cash Isa limit may not encourage investors to switch to shares but could increase mortgage costs, MPs have cautioned the finance minister.
• A wipeout for the Labour Party in next May’s council elections could signal the termination of Starmer's leadership, parliamentarians have stated, after the Labour suffered a crushing defeat in Wales.
• The former prime minister was the only politician sent a witness statement by the deputy national security adviser involved in a dispute over the collapse of a legal case against two British men alleged of spying for China.

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