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The Labour Party is poised to declare its new deputy chief today, with polling data pointing to Lucy Powell in front of the education secretary as balloting concluded on the previous Thursday.

The Day's Political Agenda

Here is the politics agenda for today, as per the PA news agency:

• 10:00 AM: The party's deputy chief is set to be revealed in London. Addresses are expected following the announcement from the victor and the prime minister.
• 1pm: Protesters from opposing groups are likely to gather in different sides of the capital after police prohibited Ukip supporters from assembling in an East London area due to fears of public unrest.
• Saturday: Vote counting begins to determine the next president of Ireland.

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

Election Highlights and Contender Stances

During the campaign, Lucy Powell frequently referred to mistakes made by the Labour Party on issues such as the winter fuel allowance. In a closing statement to backers, she seemed to question a top-down culture within the administration, arguing that unquestioning compliance was a dereliction of responsibility.

If Powell wins, the outcome is expected to be seen as a criticism to Keir Starmer's governance from party members.

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

Labour’s struggles in the polls have sparked doubts among backbenchers about Starmer’s leadership.

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

Meanwhile, Bridget Phillipson, seen as the prime minister's favored choice, has stressed unity, warning that choosing her rival would result in internal debate and divisions that could lead the party back to being in opposition.

Other News Highlights

• Cutting the cash Isa limit may not persuade savers to invest in stocks but could increase mortgage costs, lawmakers have warned the chancellor.
• A heavy defeat for the Labour Party in the upcoming local elections could spell the end of Keir Starmer’s premiership, parliamentarians have stated, after the party experienced a significant loss in its Welsh heartland.
• Rishi Sunak was the only politician provided a testimonial by the security official involved in a controversy over the dismissal of a legal case against two British men accused of espionage for China.

The result of the deputy leadership election is expected to be declared at 10am BST.