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The Labour Party is ready to reveal its fresh deputy chief today, with polls indicating the Manchester Central MP leading the education secretary as balloting concluded on Thursday.

The Day's Political Agenda

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

• 10:00 AM: The party's deputy chief is set to be revealed in London. Addresses 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 prohibited Ukip supporters from gathering in an East London area due to concerns of public unrest.
• Saturday: Counting begins to determine the new head of state of Ireland.

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

Campaign Highlights and Candidate Stances

During the campaign, Powell often referred to errors made by the party on matters such as the winter fuel allowance. In a closing statement to backers, she appeared to criticise a top-down approach within government, stating that blindly following along was a failure of duty.

Should Powell does emerge victorious, the outcome is likely to be seen as a rebuke to Keir Starmer's governance from party members.

The prime minister has already endured a challenging period, dominated by a row over the grooming gangs inquiry and a loss in the Senedd byelection in the Caerphilly seat.

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

Lucy Powell has stressed that she aims to support the PM and administration to prosper but also informed supporters the party needs to adapt how it operates to turn things around.

In contrast, Phillipson, seen as the prime minister's preferred candidate, has stressed unity, warning that choosing her opponent would result in party disputes and splits that could return the Labour back to opposition.

Additional News Highlights

• Reducing the annual cash Isa allowance may not encourage investors to switch to shares but could push up mortgage costs, MPs have warned the finance minister.
• A heavy defeat for Labour in next May’s council elections could spell the end of Keir Starmer’s premiership, parliamentarians have said, after the party suffered a significant loss in Wales.
• The former prime minister was the sole MP sent a witness statement by the security official involved in a controversy over the dismissal of a legal case against two UK nationals alleged of spying for China.

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