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Labour is ready to reveal its new deputy chief today, with surveys pointing to Lucy Powell in front of Bridget Phillipson as balloting ended on Thursday.

The Day's Political Agenda

Here is the political timeline for Saturday, according to the news schedule:

• 10am: The party's deputy chief will be announced in central London. Addresses are expected following the announcement from the victor and the PM.
• 1pm: Protesters from opposing groups are likely to gather in different sides of London after police banned Ukip supporters from gathering in an East London area due to concerns of public unrest.
• Today: Counting starts to reveal the next president of the Irish Republic.

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

Campaign Highlights and Candidate Positions

During the election race, Powell often mentioned mistakes made by the Labour Party on matters such as the winter heating payments. In a closing statement to backers, she seemed to question a command and control culture within the administration, stating that blindly following along was a failure of duty.

Should Powell does emerge victorious, the result is expected to be seen as a rebuke to the prime minister's governance from party members.

The prime minister has already faced a difficult period, dominated by a dispute over the grooming gangs inquiry and a loss in the Senedd byelection in Caerphilly.

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

Lucy Powell has emphasized that she aims to help Keir and our government to prosper but also told followers the Labour must change how it functions to improve the situation.

Meanwhile, Phillipson, regarded as the prime minister's favored choice, has stressed unity, cautioning that voting for her opponent would result in party disputes and divisions that could lead the party back to opposition.

Additional News Highlights

• Cutting the annual cash Isa allowance may not persuade investors to invest in stocks but could push up home loan rates, lawmakers have warned the chancellor.
• A wipeout 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 crushing defeat in Wales.
• The former prime minister was the sole MP provided a testimonial by the security official involved in a dispute over the dismissal of a case against two UK nationals accused of espionage for China.

The outcome of the deputy leader contest is scheduled to be declared at 10am BST.