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Labour is poised to announce its fresh deputy chief today, with polls suggesting the Manchester Central MP in front of the education secretary as balloting ended on Thursday.

The Day's Political Agenda

Presented is the politics timeline for today, as per the PA news agency:

• 10am: Labour’s new deputy leader is set to be revealed in central London. Addresses are anticipated afterwards from the victor and the PM.
• 1pm: Demonstrators from opposing groups are likely to gather in different sides of the capital after authorities banned Ukip activists from assembling in an East London area due to fears of serious disorder.
• Saturday: Counting starts to determine the new head of state of Ireland.

Meanwhile, Epping Forest MP Conservative MP Neil Hudson is conducting the media interviews for the Conservatives.

Election Highlights and Candidate Stances

During the election race, Powell frequently referred to errors made by the party on issues such as the winter fuel allowance. In a closing statement to supporters, she seemed to question a top-down approach within government, stating that unquestioning compliance was a dereliction of duty.

Should Powell wins, the outcome is expected to be seen as a criticism to the prime minister's leadership from Labour members.

The prime minister has recently endured a difficult week, dominated by a dispute over the grooming gangs investigation and a defeat in the Senedd byelection in Caerphilly.

The party's difficulties in the polls have led to questions among MPs about the leader's position.

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

Meanwhile, Phillipson, seen as Number 10's preferred candidate, has highlighted cohesion, warning that choosing her opponent would result in party disputes and splits that could return the Labour back to opposition.

Other News Highlights

• Cutting the annual cash Isa allowance may not encourage savers to invest in stocks but could increase home loan rates, MPs have warned the finance minister.
• A heavy defeat for the Labour Party in the upcoming local elections could spell the end of Starmer's leadership, MPs have said, after the Labour suffered a significant loss in its Welsh heartland.
• Rishi Sunak was the only politician sent a testimonial by the security official involved in a controversy over the collapse of a legal case against two British men alleged of espionage for China.

The result of the deputy leader contest is scheduled to be announced at 10am BST.