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The Labour Party is poised to reveal its fresh deputy leader today, with polling data pointing to Lucy Powell leading the education secretary as voting ended on Thursday.

The Day's Political Agenda

Below is the political timeline for today, as per the PA news agency:

• 10am: Labour’s new deputy leader is set to be revealed in London. Addresses are expected following the announcement from the victor and the prime minister.
• 1:00 PM: Demonstrators from rival factions are likely to descend on separate areas of London after police prohibited Ukip activists from gathering in Whitechapel due to concerns of serious disorder.
• Today: Counting begins to determine the new head of state of the Irish Republic.

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

Campaign Key Points and Candidate Positions

Throughout the election race, Powell frequently mentioned mistakes made by the party on matters such as the winter fuel allowance. In a final message to backers, she seemed to question a top-down culture within the administration, arguing that blindly following along was a dereliction of duty.

Should Powell wins, the result is likely to be seen as a criticism to Keir Starmer's governance from party members.

The prime minister has recently faced a challenging period, marked 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 sparked doubts among MPs about the leader's position.

Powell has emphasized that she aims to help Keir and our government to succeed but also told supporters the Labour needs to adapt how it operates to improve the situation.

Meanwhile, Bridget Phillipson, regarded as Number 10's preferred candidate, has highlighted cohesion, cautioning that choosing her rival would result in party disputes and splits that could lead the party back to being in opposition.

Other News Highlights

• Cutting the annual cash Isa allowance may not encourage investors to switch to shares but could increase mortgage costs, MPs have warned the chancellor.
• A heavy defeat for Labour in next May’s local elections could signal the termination of Keir Starmer’s premiership, MPs have said, after the party experienced a crushing defeat in Wales.
• Rishi Sunak was the sole MP sent a testimonial by the deputy national security adviser implicated in a dispute over the collapse of a legal case against two British men alleged of spying for China.

The outcome of the deputy leader contest is scheduled to be declared at 10:00 AM British Summer Time.