🔗 Share this article

The Labour Party is ready to declare its new deputy chief today, with surveys pointing to Lucy Powell ahead of the education secretary as voting concluded on the previous Thursday.

The Day's Political Agenda

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

• 10am: Labour’s new deputy leader will be announced in London. Addresses are expected afterwards from the victor and the PM.
• 1pm: Protesters from rival factions are likely to descend on separate areas of the capital after police prohibited Ukip activists from gathering in an East London area due to concerns of serious disorder.
• Saturday: Vote counting starts to determine the new head of state of Ireland.

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

Campaign Highlights and Contender Positions

Throughout the election race, Powell frequently referred to errors made by the Labour Party on matters such as the winter fuel allowance. In a closing statement to backers, she seemed to question a top-down approach within the administration, stating that blindly following along was a failure of responsibility.

Should Powell does emerge victorious, the result is likely to be seen as a rebuke to the prime minister's governance from Labour members.

Keir Starmer has recently faced a difficult period, dominated by a row over the grooming gangs investigation and a defeat in the Welsh assembly by-election in the Caerphilly seat.

The party's difficulties in the polls have led to questions among MPs about Starmer’s leadership.

Powell has stressed that she aims to help Keir and our government to succeed but also told followers the party must change how it operates to improve the situation.

In contrast, Bridget Phillipson, seen as Number 10's favored choice, has highlighted cohesion, warning that voting for her opponent would result in internal debate and divisions that could return the Labour back to being in opposition.

Other News Highlights

• Cutting the cash Isa limit may not encourage savers to switch to shares but could increase mortgage costs, lawmakers have cautioned the chancellor.
• A wipeout for the Labour Party in the upcoming local elections could spell the end of Keir Starmer’s premiership, MPs have said, after the party suffered a crushing defeat in its Welsh heartland.
• Rishi Sunak was the sole MP sent a testimonial by the deputy national security adviser implicated in a controversy over the collapse of a legal case against two UK nationals accused of spying for China.

The outcome of the deputy leadership election is expected to be announced at 10am BST.