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The Labour Party is set to announce its fresh deputy chief this Saturday, with surveys pointing to the Manchester Central MP ahead of Bridget Phillipson as voting ended on the previous Thursday.

Today's Political Agenda

Here is the politics timeline for Saturday, based on the news schedule:

• 10:00 AM: The party's deputy chief is set to be revealed in central London. Addresses are expected following the announcement from the winner and the PM.
• 1pm: Protesters from rival factions are likely to gather in different sides of London after police banned Ukip supporters from gathering in an East London area due to fears of serious disorder.
• Saturday: Counting begins to reveal the new head of state of the Irish Republic.

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

Election Highlights and Candidate Positions

Throughout the campaign, Powell often mentioned mistakes made by the Labour Party on matters such as the winter fuel allowance. In a final message to supporters, she appeared to criticise a top-down culture within the administration, arguing that unquestioning compliance was a failure of responsibility.

If Powell wins, the result is expected to be seen as a criticism to Keir Starmer's governance from Labour members.

The prime minister has already faced a difficult week, dominated by a dispute over the grooming gangs investigation and a defeat in the Senedd byelection in Caerphilly.

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

Lucy Powell has emphasized that she wants to help Keir and our government to succeed but also informed followers the party needs to adapt how it functions to turn things around.

Meanwhile, Bridget Phillipson, seen as Number 10's preferred candidate, has stressed unity, cautioning that choosing her rival would result in party disputes and divisions that could lead the party back to opposition.

Other Political Headlines

• Reducing the cash Isa limit may not persuade savers to switch to shares but could push up mortgage costs, MPs have warned the chancellor.
• A wipeout for Labour in next May’s council elections could spell the end of Starmer's leadership, parliamentarians have said, after the party experienced a significant loss in Wales.
• The former prime minister was the sole MP sent a testimonial by the deputy national security adviser implicated in a dispute over the dismissal of a case against two UK nationals accused of espionage for China.

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