🔗 Share this article

The Labour Party is poised to reveal its fresh deputy chief this Saturday, with polls pointing to the Manchester Central MP in front of Bridget Phillipson as voting ended on Thursday.

Today's Political Agenda

Here is the political agenda for Saturday, according to the PA news agency:

• 10am: Labour’s new deputy leader is set to be revealed in central London. Speeches are expected afterwards from the winner and the prime minister.
• 1pm: Protesters from opposing groups are expected to descend on different sides of London after authorities banned Ukip activists from assembling in an East London area due to concerns of public unrest.
• Saturday: Counting begins to determine the new head of state of Ireland.

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

Campaign Highlights and Candidate Positions

Throughout the election race, Powell often referred to errors made by the party on matters such as the winter heating payments. In a final message to backers, she appeared to criticise a top-down culture within the administration, stating that blindly following along was a failure of responsibility.

If Powell wins, the outcome is expected to be seen as a rebuke to Keir Starmer's leadership from party members.

The prime minister has already faced a challenging week, 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 led to questions among backbenchers about the leader's position.

Powell has emphasized that she aims to support the PM and administration to succeed but also informed supporters the party must change how it operates to turn things around.

In contrast, Phillipson, seen as Number 10's preferred candidate, has stressed unity, warning that voting for her opponent would result in party disputes and splits that could lead the party back to opposition.

Additional Political Headlines

• Cutting the annual cash Isa allowance may not persuade investors to switch to shares but could increase home loan rates, lawmakers have warned the finance minister.
• A wipeout for the Labour Party in the upcoming council elections could signal the termination of Starmer's leadership, MPs have stated, after the Labour experienced a significant loss in Wales.
• The former prime minister was the sole MP sent a witness statement by the security official implicated in a controversy over the collapse of a case against two UK nationals alleged of espionage for China.

The outcome of the deputy leader contest is scheduled to be declared at 10am BST.