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The Labour Party is set to declare its fresh deputy leader today, with polling data suggesting the Manchester Central MP in front of Bridget Phillipson as balloting concluded on Thursday.

The Day's Schedule of Events

Presented is the political agenda for Saturday, as per the PA news agency:

• 10:00 AM: The party's deputy chief will be announced in central London. Addresses are expected following the announcement from the victor and the PM.
• 1:00 PM: Protesters from opposing groups are likely to descend on different sides of the capital after police prohibited Ukip activists from gathering in an East London area due to concerns of serious disorder.
• Saturday: Counting starts to determine the new head of state of Ireland.

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

Campaign Highlights and Candidate Positions

During the campaign, Lucy Powell often mentioned errors 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 culture within government, stating that unquestioning compliance was a failure of responsibility.

Should Powell does emerge victorious, the result is likely to be seen as a criticism to Keir Starmer's leadership from Labour members.

The prime minister has already faced a challenging week, marked by a dispute over the grooming gangs investigation and a defeat in the Welsh assembly by-election in Caerphilly.

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

Lucy Powell has emphasized that she wants to support the PM and administration to prosper but also told followers the party needs to adapt how it functions to improve the situation.

Meanwhile, Phillipson, regarded as Number 10's favored choice, has stressed unity, warning that choosing her opponent would result in party disputes and splits that could return the party back to being in opposition.

Additional News Highlights

• Cutting the annual cash Isa allowance may not encourage savers to invest in stocks but could increase mortgage costs, lawmakers have warned the finance minister.
• A heavy defeat for Labour in the upcoming local elections could spell the end of Starmer's leadership, MPs have said, after the party suffered a significant loss in its Welsh heartland.
• The former prime minister was the only politician sent a testimonial by the deputy national security adviser implicated in a controversy over the collapse of a legal case against two UK nationals accused of spying for China.

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