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The Labour Party is poised to declare its fresh deputy chief today, with polls suggesting the Manchester Central MP in front of the education secretary as balloting closed on the previous Thursday.

The Day's Political Agenda

Here is the politics schedule for today, according to the PA news agency:

• 10am: Labour’s new deputy leader will be announced in central London. Addresses are expected afterwards from the victor and the prime minister.
• 1:00 PM: Demonstrators from opposing groups are expected to descend on separate areas of the capital after police prohibited Ukip supporters from assembling in Whitechapel due to fears of public unrest.
• Today: Vote counting starts to reveal the next president of the Irish Republic.

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

Campaign Key Points and Contender Stances

During the election race, Lucy Powell frequently referred to errors made by the party on matters such as the winter heating payments. In a final message to supporters, she appeared to criticise a command and control approach within government, arguing that unquestioning compliance was a failure of responsibility.

If Powell wins, the outcome is likely to be seen as a criticism to the prime minister's governance from party members.

The prime minister has recently faced a difficult week, marked by a dispute over the grooming gangs inquiry and a loss in the Senedd byelection in the Caerphilly seat.

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

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

In contrast, Bridget Phillipson, seen as the prime minister's preferred candidate, has stressed unity, warning that choosing her opponent would result in party disputes and splits that could return the Labour back to being in opposition.

Other News Highlights

• Reducing the annual cash Isa allowance may not persuade investors to invest in stocks but could push up home loan rates, lawmakers have warned the chancellor.
• A wipeout for the Labour Party in the upcoming local elections could signal the termination of Starmer's leadership, MPs have said, after the party experienced a significant loss in Wales.
• Rishi Sunak was the sole MP sent a testimonial by the deputy national security adviser implicated in a controversy over the dismissal of a case against two UK nationals alleged of spying for China.

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