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The Labour Party is ready to announce its new deputy leader today, with polling data pointing to the Manchester Central MP in front of the education secretary as balloting closed on Thursday.

Today's Schedule of Events

Below is the politics timeline for today, according to the news schedule:

• 10:00 AM: The party's deputy chief is set to be revealed in central London. Addresses are expected following the announcement from the victor and the PM.
• 1:00 PM: Protesters from rival factions are expected to descend on different sides of London after police prohibited Ukip supporters from gathering in Whitechapel due to concerns of public unrest.
• Saturday: Vote counting begins to determine the next president of Ireland.

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

Election Highlights and Candidate Positions

During the campaign, Lucy Powell frequently mentioned mistakes made by the party on issues such as the winter fuel allowance. In a closing statement to backers, she seemed to question a command and control approach within government, arguing that blindly following along was a failure of duty.

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

Keir Starmer has already endured a difficult week, dominated by a row over the grooming gangs inquiry and a defeat in the Welsh assembly by-election in the Caerphilly seat.

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

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

Meanwhile, Phillipson, seen as Number 10's favored choice, has stressed unity, warning that voting for her rival would result in internal debate and splits that could return the Labour back to opposition.

Additional Political Headlines

• Reducing the cash Isa limit may not encourage savers to invest in stocks but could push up home loan rates, lawmakers have cautioned the chancellor.
• A heavy defeat for Labour in the upcoming council elections could spell the end of Keir Starmer’s premiership, MPs have stated, after the party experienced a crushing defeat in Wales.
• The former prime minister was the only politician sent a witness statement by the security official implicated in a controversy over the dismissal of a case against two UK nationals alleged of spying for China.

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