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Labour is ready to announce its new deputy chief today, with polls pointing to Lucy Powell ahead of the education secretary as voting ended on Thursday.

Today's Schedule of Events

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

• 10am: The party's deputy chief is set to be revealed in central London. Speeches are anticipated following the announcement from the victor and the prime minister.
• 1pm: Demonstrators from opposing groups are expected to gather in different sides of the capital after police banned Ukip activists from gathering in an East London area due to fears of serious disorder.
• Saturday: Vote counting starts to determine the new head of state of the Irish Republic.

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

Election Highlights and Contender Stances

Throughout the campaign, Lucy Powell frequently mentioned mistakes made by the party on matters such as the winter heating payments. In a final message to supporters, she seemed to question a command and control approach within government, stating that unquestioning compliance was a dereliction of responsibility.

If Powell does emerge victorious, the result is expected to be seen as a criticism to the prime minister's governance from Labour members.

The prime minister has already faced a difficult week, marked by a dispute over the grooming gangs investigation and a loss in the Senedd byelection in the Caerphilly seat.

The party's difficulties in the polls have led to questions among backbenchers about the leader's position.

Lucy Powell has emphasized that she aims to help Keir and our government to prosper but also informed followers the party must change how it functions to improve the situation.

In contrast, Bridget Phillipson, seen as Number 10's preferred candidate, has stressed unity, cautioning that voting for her rival would result in party disputes and divisions that could return the Labour back to opposition.

Other Political Headlines

• Reducing the annual cash Isa allowance may not persuade investors to invest in stocks but could push up mortgage costs, MPs have warned the chancellor.
• A heavy defeat for Labour in the upcoming local elections could spell the end of Starmer's leadership, parliamentarians have said, after the party experienced a significant loss in Wales.
• Rishi Sunak was the sole MP provided a witness statement by the security official implicated in a controversy over the collapse of a legal case against two British men alleged of spying for China.

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