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The Labour Party is ready to declare its fresh deputy chief this Saturday, with polling data pointing to the Manchester Central MP in front of the education secretary as balloting ended on Thursday.

Today's Schedule of Events

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

• 10am: The party's deputy chief will be announced in London. Addresses are expected following the announcement from the winner and the prime minister.
• 1:00 PM: Demonstrators from opposing groups are likely to descend on different sides of London after authorities banned Ukip supporters from gathering in an East London area due to fears of serious disorder.
• Today: Vote counting starts to determine the next president of Ireland.

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

Election Key Points and Candidate Stances

During the election race, Lucy Powell often mentioned errors made by the Labour Party on matters such as the winter heating payments. In a final message to backers, she seemed to question a command and control approach within the administration, arguing that blindly following along was a dereliction of responsibility.

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

Keir Starmer has recently 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 opinion polls have led to doubts among MPs about the leader's position.

Lucy Powell has stressed that she aims to support the PM and administration to prosper but also informed followers the party must change how it functions to improve the situation.

Meanwhile, Bridget Phillipson, regarded as Number 10's favored choice, has stressed cohesion, cautioning that choosing her rival would result in internal debate and divisions that could lead the party back to opposition.

Other News Highlights

• Reducing the annual cash Isa allowance may not persuade investors to switch to shares but could push up mortgage costs, lawmakers have warned the chancellor.
• A heavy defeat for Labour in next May’s local elections could spell the end of Starmer's leadership, parliamentarians have stated, after the party experienced a crushing defeat in its Welsh heartland.
• Rishi Sunak was the only politician provided a testimonial by the security official implicated in a dispute over the dismissal of a legal case against two British men alleged of espionage for China.

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