🔗 Share this article

Labour is poised to declare its new deputy chief today, with polling data suggesting the Manchester Central MP leading Bridget Phillipson as balloting ended on the previous Thursday.

Today's Political Agenda

Presented is the politics agenda for Saturday, according to the PA news agency:

• 10am: The party's deputy chief will be announced in London. Speeches are expected afterwards from the winner and the prime minister.
• 1pm: Protesters from opposing groups are expected to gather in separate areas of London after authorities banned Ukip supporters from assembling in an East London area due to fears of serious disorder.
• Today: Vote counting begins to reveal the new head of state of Ireland.

Additionally, the Epping Forest MP Neil Hudson is on the media interviews 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 supporters, she appeared to criticise a top-down approach within the administration, stating that unquestioning compliance was a failure of duty.

Should Powell does emerge victorious, the result is likely to be seen as a criticism to Keir Starmer's leadership from party members.

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

The party's difficulties in the opinion polls have sparked doubts among MPs about Starmer’s leadership.

Lucy Powell has stressed that she aims to help Keir and our government to succeed but also informed supporters the Labour must change how it functions to improve the situation.

Meanwhile, Bridget Phillipson, regarded as the prime minister's preferred candidate, has highlighted cohesion, warning that voting for her rival would result in party disputes and divisions that could lead the party back to opposition.

Additional News Highlights

• Cutting the annual cash Isa allowance may not persuade investors to invest in stocks but could increase home loan rates, MPs have warned the chancellor.
• A heavy defeat for Labour in next May’s local elections could signal the termination of Starmer's leadership, MPs have said, after the party suffered a significant loss in Wales.
• Rishi Sunak was the only politician provided a testimonial by the security official involved in a controversy over the collapse of a legal case against two UK nationals accused of spying for China.

The result of the deputy leadership election is scheduled to be declared at 10am BST.