🔗 Share this article

Labour is set to declare its new deputy leader today, with polls indicating Lucy Powell in front of the education secretary as voting closed on the previous Thursday.

Today's Political Agenda

Here is the political schedule for Saturday, based on the PA news agency:

• 10am: The party's deputy chief will be announced in London. Speeches are anticipated following the announcement from the victor and the PM.
• 1:00 PM: Demonstrators from rival factions are likely to descend on separate areas of the capital after authorities prohibited Ukip supporters from gathering in Whitechapel due to concerns of serious disorder.
• Saturday: Vote counting begins to reveal the new head of state of the Irish Republic.

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

Election Key Points and Contender Stances

Throughout the campaign, Powell frequently referred to mistakes made by the party on matters such as the winter heating payments. In a closing statement to backers, she appeared to criticise a top-down approach within the administration, arguing that blindly following along was a failure of responsibility.

If Powell does emerge victorious, the outcome is likely to be seen as a criticism to the prime minister's governance from party members.

Keir Starmer has already faced a difficult period, dominated by a dispute over the grooming gangs investigation and a loss in the Senedd byelection in the Caerphilly seat.

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

Powell has stressed that she wants to support the PM and administration to prosper but also informed followers the Labour needs to adapt how it functions to improve the situation.

In contrast, Phillipson, regarded as Number 10's preferred candidate, has highlighted unity, cautioning that choosing her rival would result in party disputes and splits that could lead the party back to being in opposition.

Additional Political Headlines

• Reducing the annual cash Isa allowance may not persuade savers to invest in stocks but could increase mortgage costs, lawmakers have cautioned the chancellor.
• A heavy defeat for Labour in the upcoming council elections could spell the end of Starmer's leadership, parliamentarians have stated, after the party suffered a crushing defeat in Wales.
• The former prime minister was the only politician sent a testimonial by the deputy national security adviser implicated in a controversy over the dismissal of a legal case against two British men accused of spying for China.

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