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The Labour Party is ready to reveal its new deputy leader this Saturday, with polls pointing to Lucy Powell leading Bridget Phillipson as voting ended on Thursday.

Today's Political Agenda

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

• 10am: Labour’s new deputy leader will be announced in central London. Speeches are anticipated following the announcement from the victor and the prime minister.
• 1pm: Protesters from opposing groups are expected to gather in separate areas of the capital after police banned Ukip activists from gathering in an East London area due to fears of public unrest.
• Today: Counting begins to determine the new head of state of Ireland.

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

Campaign Highlights and Candidate Stances

Throughout the election race, Powell often mentioned errors made by the party on matters such as the winter fuel allowance. In a closing statement to backers, she seemed to question a command and control approach within the administration, arguing that blindly following along was a failure of responsibility.

Should Powell does emerge victorious, the outcome is expected to be seen as a criticism to Keir Starmer's leadership from Labour members.

The prime minister has recently endured a challenging period, dominated by a row over the grooming gangs investigation and a defeat in the Welsh assembly by-election in Caerphilly.

The party's difficulties in the polls have led to questions among backbenchers about Starmer’s leadership.

Lucy Powell has emphasized that she aims to support the PM and administration to succeed but also told followers the party needs to adapt how it functions to turn things around.

In contrast, Phillipson, regarded as Number 10's favored choice, has stressed cohesion, cautioning that choosing her opponent would result in party disputes and splits that could lead the party back to being in opposition.

Additional News Highlights

• Reducing the annual cash Isa allowance may not persuade investors to invest in stocks but could increase home loan rates, lawmakers have cautioned the finance minister.
• A heavy defeat for the Labour Party in next May’s council elections could signal the termination of Starmer's leadership, parliamentarians have said, after the party suffered a crushing defeat in Wales.
• Rishi Sunak was the only politician provided a testimonial by the security official involved in a controversy over the collapse of a legal case against two British men accused of spying for China.

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