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The Labour Party is ready to declare its new deputy leader today, with polling data pointing to Lucy Powell in front of the education secretary as balloting closed on the previous Thursday.

The Day's Schedule of Events

Here is the politics timeline for today, based on the PA news agency:

• 10:00 AM: Labour’s new deputy leader is set to be revealed in central London. Addresses are expected afterwards from the victor and the prime minister.
• 1:00 PM: Protesters from rival factions are expected to gather in different sides of London after authorities banned Ukip activists from gathering in an East London area due to fears of serious disorder.
• Today: Vote counting begins to determine the new head of state of the Irish Republic.

Additionally, the Epping Forest MP Conservative MP Neil Hudson is on the media interviews for the Tory party.

Campaign Key Points and Contender Stances

During the campaign, Lucy Powell frequently referred to errors made by the party on matters such as the winter fuel allowance. In a final message to backers, she seemed to question a top-down culture within the administration, stating that blindly following along was a dereliction of responsibility.

Should Powell does emerge victorious, the result is expected to be seen as a rebuke to Keir Starmer's governance from party members.

The prime minister has recently endured a challenging week, dominated by a row over the grooming gangs inquiry and a defeat in the Welsh assembly by-election in the Caerphilly seat.

Labour’s struggles in the polls have led to doubts among MPs about the leader's position.

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

In contrast, Phillipson, regarded as the prime minister's favored choice, has highlighted unity, warning that voting for her opponent would result in internal debate and splits that could return the party back to opposition.

Additional News Highlights

• Cutting the annual cash Isa allowance may not encourage investors to switch to shares but could push up home loan rates, lawmakers have cautioned the finance minister.
• A wipeout for Labour in the upcoming council elections could signal the termination of Starmer's leadership, parliamentarians have said, after the party suffered a crushing defeat in Wales.
• Rishi Sunak was the only politician sent a testimonial by the deputy national security adviser implicated in a dispute over the collapse of a case against two British men accused of spying for China.

The outcome of the deputy leadership election is expected to be announced at 10am BST.