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The Labour Party is ready to reveal its new deputy leader this Saturday, with polling data pointing to Lucy Powell ahead of the education secretary as voting closed on the previous Thursday.

The Day's Political Agenda

Presented is the politics timeline for Saturday, according to the PA news agency:

• 10:00 AM: The party's deputy chief is set to be revealed in central London. Addresses are anticipated following the announcement from the winner and the prime minister.
• 1pm: Demonstrators from rival factions are expected to gather in different sides of the capital after police prohibited Ukip supporters from assembling in an East London area due to fears of serious disorder.
• Today: Vote counting begins to reveal the next president of Ireland.

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

Election Highlights and Contender Stances

During the campaign, Powell frequently mentioned mistakes made by the party on matters such as the winter fuel allowance. In a final message to backers, she appeared to criticise a top-down approach within government, stating that blindly following along was a dereliction of duty.

Should Powell does emerge victorious, the outcome is likely to be seen as a criticism to the prime minister's leadership from Labour members.

The prime minister has recently faced a challenging week, marked by a row 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 backbenchers about the leader's position.

Powell has stressed that she wants to support the PM and administration to succeed but also told supporters the party needs to adapt how it operates to improve the situation.

Meanwhile, Bridget Phillipson, seen as the prime minister's preferred candidate, has highlighted cohesion, warning that voting for her rival would result in party disputes and divisions that could lead the Labour back to being in opposition.

Additional News Highlights

• Reducing the cash Isa limit may not persuade savers to switch to shares but could push up mortgage costs, lawmakers have warned the chancellor.
• A wipeout for the Labour Party in the upcoming council elections could spell the end of Starmer's leadership, parliamentarians have stated, after the Labour experienced a significant loss in Wales.
• Rishi Sunak was the only politician provided a witness statement by the security official involved in a controversy over the dismissal of a case against two UK nationals accused of espionage for China.

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