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Labour is poised to declare its new deputy chief today, with surveys pointing to 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 agenda for today, based on the news schedule:

• 10am: The party's deputy chief is set to be revealed in London. Addresses are expected afterwards from the victor and the prime minister.
• 1pm: Protesters from rival factions are likely to descend on different sides of London after police banned Ukip activists from gathering in Whitechapel due to concerns of serious disorder.
• Today: Counting starts to reveal the next president of Ireland.

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

Campaign Highlights and Contender Stances

During the campaign, Powell often mentioned errors made by the party on matters such as the winter fuel allowance. In a closing statement to supporters, she seemed to question a top-down approach within the administration, arguing that unquestioning compliance was a failure of duty.

Should Powell wins, the result is likely to be seen as a rebuke to the prime minister's governance from party members.

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

The party's difficulties in the polls have sparked questions among backbenchers about Starmer’s leadership.

Powell has emphasized that she wants to support the PM and administration to prosper but also told followers the party must change how it functions to turn things around.

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

Additional 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 heavy defeat for the Labour Party in next May’s council elections could spell the end of Keir Starmer’s premiership, parliamentarians have stated, after the Labour experienced a crushing defeat in Wales.
• The former prime minister was the sole MP provided a testimonial by the deputy national security adviser implicated in a dispute over the dismissal of a legal case against two British men accused of spying for China.

The result of the deputy leader contest is scheduled to be announced at 10am BST.