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The Labour Party is set to announce its new deputy chief today, with surveys suggesting Lucy Powell ahead of the education secretary as voting ended on Thursday.

The Day's Schedule of Events

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

• 10:00 AM: Labour’s new deputy leader will be announced in London. Addresses are expected following the announcement from the winner and the PM.
• 1pm: Demonstrators from rival factions are expected to descend on different sides of the capital after police prohibited Ukip supporters from assembling in Whitechapel due to concerns of serious disorder.
• Today: Vote counting begins to determine the new head of state of Ireland.

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

Campaign Key Points and Contender Stances

Throughout the campaign, Powell frequently referred to errors made by the Labour Party on matters such as the winter fuel allowance. In a closing statement to backers, she appeared to criticise a command and control approach within the administration, arguing that blindly following along was a failure of responsibility.

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

The prime minister has already faced a challenging period, 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 polls have sparked doubts among backbenchers about Starmer’s leadership.

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

Meanwhile, Phillipson, seen as the prime minister's preferred candidate, has highlighted cohesion, cautioning that choosing her rival would result in party disputes and splits that could lead the Labour back to opposition.

Additional News Highlights

• Reducing the cash Isa limit may not persuade savers to invest in stocks but could push up mortgage costs, MPs have cautioned the finance minister.
• A heavy defeat for the Labour Party in the upcoming local elections could signal the termination of Starmer's leadership, MPs have stated, after the Labour suffered a significant loss in its Welsh heartland.
• The former prime minister was the only politician provided a witness statement by the deputy national security adviser involved in a dispute over the dismissal of a legal case against two British men accused of spying for China.

The outcome of the deputy leadership election is scheduled to be announced at 10:00 AM British Summer Time.