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The Labour Party is poised to declare its new deputy leader this Saturday, with surveys indicating the Manchester Central MP leading Bridget Phillipson as voting closed on Thursday.

Today's Schedule of Events

Below is the politics timeline for Saturday, as per the news schedule:

• 10:00 AM: The party's deputy chief is set to be revealed in central London. Addresses are anticipated following the announcement from the winner and the PM.
• 1:00 PM: Protesters from opposing groups are expected to descend on separate areas of the capital after police prohibited Ukip supporters from assembling in Whitechapel due to fears of serious disorder.
• Saturday: Vote counting begins to reveal the next president of the Irish Republic.

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

Election Highlights and Contender Stances

During the campaign, Powell frequently referred to errors made by the Labour Party on issues such as the winter heating payments. In a closing statement to supporters, she appeared to criticise a top-down culture within government, stating that unquestioning compliance was a failure of responsibility.

If Powell wins, the outcome is likely to be seen as a rebuke to the prime minister's governance from Labour members.

The prime minister has recently endured a difficult week, marked by a dispute over the grooming gangs inquiry 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.

Powell has stressed that she aims to help Keir and our government to succeed but also told followers the party needs to adapt how it functions to turn things around.

Meanwhile, Phillipson, seen as Number 10's preferred candidate, has stressed unity, warning that choosing her rival would result in internal debate and divisions that could lead the Labour back to being in opposition.

Other News Highlights

• Reducing the cash Isa limit may not encourage savers to invest in stocks but could push up home loan rates, MPs have warned the finance minister.
• A heavy defeat for the Labour Party in next May’s local elections could signal the termination of Starmer's leadership, MPs have said, after the Labour experienced a crushing defeat in its Welsh heartland.
• Rishi Sunak was the only politician provided a witness statement by the deputy national security adviser implicated in a dispute over the dismissal of a legal case against two UK nationals alleged of spying for China.

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