The Labour Party's New Deputy Leader to Be Revealed This Saturday

Labour is ready to announce its fresh deputy leader today, with surveys pointing to Lucy Powell ahead of Bridget Phillipson as voting concluded on Thursday.

The Day's Schedule of Events

Here is the political timeline for today, as per the PA news agency:

• 10:00 AM: Labour’s new deputy leader is set to be revealed in central London. Speeches are anticipated following the announcement from the victor and the PM.
• 1pm: Protesters from opposing groups are expected to gather in separate areas of London after police banned Ukip activists from assembling in Whitechapel due to fears of public unrest.
• Saturday: Vote counting begins to determine the new head of state of Ireland.

Meanwhile, Epping Forest MP Conservative MP Neil Hudson is on the media interviews for the Tory party.

Campaign Key Points and Candidate Stances

Throughout the campaign, Lucy Powell often mentioned errors made by the Labour Party on matters such as the winter fuel allowance. In a final message to supporters, she seemed to question a command and control culture within the administration, stating that blindly following along was a failure of duty.

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

Keir Starmer has already faced a difficult period, marked by a dispute over the grooming gangs investigation and a defeat in the Welsh assembly by-election in Caerphilly.

Labour’s struggles in the polls have led to doubts among MPs about the leader's position.

Powell has stressed that she aims to help Keir and our government to succeed but also informed followers the party must change how it operates to improve the situation.

Meanwhile, Phillipson, seen as Number 10's preferred candidate, has highlighted unity, warning that voting for her opponent would result in internal debate and divisions that could return the Labour back to opposition.

Other Political Headlines

• Cutting the annual cash Isa allowance may not encourage investors to invest in stocks but could increase 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 Keir Starmer’s premiership, MPs have stated, after the party suffered a crushing defeat in Wales.
• Rishi Sunak was the sole MP provided a testimonial by the security official implicated in a dispute over the dismissal of a case against two UK nationals alleged of spying for China.

The result of the deputy leadership election is expected to be declared at 10:00 AM British Summer Time.