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The Labour Party is set to reveal its fresh deputy leader today, with polling data indicating the Manchester Central MP ahead of Bridget Phillipson as balloting ended on Thursday.

Today's Schedule of Events

Presented is the politics timeline for Saturday, based on the news schedule:

• 10am: Labour’s new deputy leader will be announced in central London. Speeches are anticipated following the announcement from the victor and the PM.
• 1:00 PM: Demonstrators from rival factions are expected to gather in different sides of London after police banned Ukip activists from assembling in Whitechapel due to concerns of public unrest.
• Today: Counting begins to determine the new head of state of Ireland.

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

Election Highlights and Candidate Positions

During the campaign, Powell frequently referred to mistakes made by the party on issues such as the winter fuel allowance. In a final message to backers, she appeared to criticise a command and control culture within the administration, stating that blindly following along was a dereliction of responsibility.

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

Keir Starmer has already endured a difficult period, dominated by a dispute over the grooming gangs investigation and a loss in the Welsh assembly by-election in the Caerphilly seat.

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

Lucy Powell has stressed that she wants to support the PM and administration to succeed but also told followers the Labour must change how it operates to improve the situation.

Meanwhile, Phillipson, regarded as the prime minister's preferred candidate, has stressed cohesion, cautioning that voting for her opponent would result in internal debate and divisions that could lead the Labour back to being in opposition.

Other Political Headlines

• Cutting the annual cash Isa allowance may not persuade savers to switch to shares but could push up mortgage costs, lawmakers have warned the finance minister.
• A wipeout for the Labour Party in next May’s council elections could spell the end of Keir Starmer’s premiership, MPs have stated, after the Labour experienced a significant loss in Wales.
• The former prime minister was the sole MP provided a witness statement by the deputy national security adviser 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 expected to be announced at 10am BST.