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Labour is ready to declare its fresh deputy chief this Saturday, with polls suggesting the Manchester Central MP leading the education secretary as voting ended on the previous Thursday.

Today's Schedule of Events

Presented is the politics timeline for Saturday, as per the PA news agency:

• 10am: The party's deputy chief is set to be revealed in London. Addresses are expected afterwards from the winner and the PM.
• 1:00 PM: Protesters from rival factions are expected to gather in different sides of London after authorities banned Ukip supporters from assembling in an East London area due to fears of serious disorder.
• Saturday: Vote counting starts to reveal the new head of state of Ireland.

Additionally, Epping Forest MP Neil Hudson is on the morning media rounds for the Tory party.

Campaign Key Points and Contender Stances

During the campaign, Powell often referred to mistakes made by the party on issues such as the winter fuel allowance. In a closing statement to supporters, she seemed to question a command and control culture within government, stating that blindly following along was a dereliction of duty.

Should Powell wins, the outcome is likely to be seen as a rebuke to Keir Starmer's leadership from party members.

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

The party's difficulties in the opinion polls have sparked questions among backbenchers about the leader's position.

Powell has stressed that she wants to support the PM and administration to prosper but also informed supporters the Labour must change how it operates to turn things around.

In contrast, Bridget Phillipson, regarded as Number 10's favored choice, has highlighted cohesion, cautioning that voting for her rival would result in party disputes and splits that could return the party back to being in opposition.

Additional News Highlights

• Reducing the annual cash Isa allowance may not persuade investors to switch to shares but could increase mortgage costs, lawmakers have cautioned the chancellor.
• A heavy defeat for Labour in the upcoming council elections could signal the termination of Keir Starmer’s premiership, MPs have stated, after the Labour suffered a crushing defeat in Wales.
• The former prime minister was the sole MP provided a witness statement by the deputy national security adviser implicated in a dispute over the collapse of a case against two UK nationals alleged of espionage for China.

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