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Labour is poised to reveal its new deputy leader this Saturday, with polls pointing to Lucy Powell ahead of Bridget Phillipson as voting ended on Thursday.

The Day's Political Agenda

Here is the politics timeline for Saturday, according to the PA news agency:

• 10am: Labour’s new deputy leader is set to be revealed in London. Addresses are expected following the announcement from the winner and the prime minister.
• 1pm: Demonstrators from rival factions are expected to gather in different sides of London after police prohibited Ukip activists from assembling in Whitechapel due to concerns of public unrest.
• Today: Vote counting begins to determine the new head of state of Ireland.

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

Election Key Points and Contender Stances

During the campaign, Lucy Powell frequently referred to mistakes made by the Labour Party on matters such as the winter heating payments. In a closing statement to supporters, she appeared to criticise a command and control approach within government, stating that unquestioning compliance was a failure of duty.

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

Keir Starmer has recently endured a challenging week, dominated by a dispute over the grooming gangs investigation and a loss in the Senedd byelection in Caerphilly.

The party's difficulties in the opinion polls have led to questions among MPs about Starmer’s leadership.

Powell has stressed that she wants to help Keir and our government to succeed but also informed followers the Labour must change how it operates to turn things around.

In contrast, Bridget Phillipson, seen as Number 10's favored choice, has stressed unity, cautioning that choosing her rival would result in party disputes and splits that could return the Labour back to opposition.

Additional Political Headlines

• Reducing the cash Isa limit may not encourage investors to invest in stocks but could increase mortgage costs, lawmakers have warned the chancellor.
• A heavy defeat for Labour in next May’s local elections could spell the end of Keir Starmer’s premiership, parliamentarians have said, after the party suffered a crushing defeat in Wales.
• Rishi Sunak was the sole MP sent a testimonial by the deputy national security adviser implicated in a controversy over the dismissal of a case against two British men accused of espionage for China.

The result of the deputy leader contest is expected to be declared at 10am BST.