🔗 Share this article

Labour is ready to declare its fresh deputy leader this Saturday, with polls indicating Lucy Powell ahead of the education secretary as voting concluded on the previous Thursday.

Today's Schedule of Events

Presented is the political timeline for today, as per the PA news agency:

• 10:00 AM: Labour’s new deputy leader is set to be revealed in central London. Speeches are expected following the announcement from the victor and the prime minister.
• 1:00 PM: Demonstrators from opposing groups are likely to gather in different sides of the capital after authorities banned Ukip supporters from assembling in an East London area due to fears of public unrest.
• Saturday: Vote counting starts to determine the new head of state of Ireland.

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

Election Highlights and Contender Stances

During the campaign, Powell often referred to errors made by the Labour Party on matters such as the winter fuel allowance. In a final message to supporters, she appeared to criticise a command and control approach within the administration, arguing that unquestioning compliance was a failure of responsibility.

Should 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 recently faced a difficult period, marked by a dispute over the grooming gangs inquiry and a defeat in the Senedd byelection in the Caerphilly seat.

The party's difficulties in the opinion polls have sparked questions among MPs about the leader's position.

Lucy Powell has emphasized that she aims to support the PM and administration to prosper 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 stressed unity, warning that choosing her opponent would result in internal debate and divisions that could return the Labour back to opposition.

Other News Highlights

• Reducing the cash Isa limit may not persuade savers to invest in stocks but could push up home loan rates, lawmakers have cautioned the finance minister.
• A wipeout for Labour in next May’s local elections could spell the end of Keir Starmer’s premiership, MPs have stated, after the party suffered a significant loss in its Welsh heartland.
• Rishi Sunak was the sole MP provided a testimonial by the security official implicated in a dispute over the collapse of a case against two British men alleged of spying for China.

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