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Labour is poised to reveal its new deputy leader today, with surveys pointing to Lucy Powell leading Bridget Phillipson as voting concluded on Thursday.

The Day's Political Agenda

Here is the politics schedule for today, as per the PA news agency:

• 10:00 AM: Labour’s new deputy leader is set to be revealed in central London. Addresses are anticipated afterwards from the winner and the PM.
• 1:00 PM: Protesters from opposing groups are expected to descend on different sides of London after authorities banned Ukip activists from assembling in Whitechapel due to fears of public unrest.
• Today: Vote counting starts to reveal the next president of the Irish Republic.

Meanwhile, Epping Forest MP Conservative MP Neil Hudson is on the morning media rounds for the Tory party.

Election Key Points and Contender Stances

Throughout the election race, Powell frequently referred to errors made by the party on issues such as the winter heating payments. In a closing statement to backers, she seemed to question a top-down approach within government, stating that unquestioning compliance was a dereliction of duty.

If Powell does emerge victorious, the result is likely to be seen as a criticism to Keir Starmer's governance from Labour members.

The prime minister has already endured a challenging period, marked 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.

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

In contrast, Phillipson, regarded as the prime minister's preferred candidate, has highlighted unity, warning that choosing her rival would result in party disputes and splits that could lead the Labour back to being in opposition.

Additional News Highlights

• Cutting the cash Isa limit may not encourage investors to invest in stocks but could increase home loan rates, MPs have cautioned the finance minister.
• A wipeout for the Labour Party in the upcoming council elections could signal the termination of Keir Starmer’s premiership, parliamentarians have said, after the Labour experienced a crushing defeat in its Welsh heartland.
• Rishi Sunak was the only politician sent a testimonial by the security official implicated in a dispute over the dismissal of a case against two UK nationals alleged of spying for China.

The outcome of the deputy leadership election is expected to be announced at 10:00 AM British Summer Time.