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Labour is set to reveal its fresh deputy leader today, with polls suggesting Lucy Powell ahead of the education secretary as voting closed on the previous Thursday.

Today's Political Agenda

Presented is the politics schedule for today, based on the PA news agency:

• 10am: Labour’s new deputy leader is set to be revealed in London. Speeches are expected following the announcement from the winner and the prime minister.
• 1:00 PM: Protesters from opposing groups are expected to descend on separate areas of the capital after authorities banned Ukip activists from assembling in Whitechapel due to concerns of public unrest.
• Today: Vote counting starts to determine the new head of state of Ireland.

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

Election Key Points and Contender Stances

Throughout the election race, Powell frequently referred to mistakes made by the Labour Party on issues such as the winter heating payments. In a closing statement to backers, she seemed to question a top-down culture within the administration, stating that blindly following along was a failure of responsibility.

Should Powell wins, the result is expected to be seen as a criticism to the prime minister's governance from Labour members.

The prime minister has recently faced a difficult period, 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 opinion polls have led to doubts among MPs about Starmer’s leadership.

Powell has stressed that she wants to help Keir and our government to prosper but also told supporters the party needs to adapt how it operates to turn things around.

Meanwhile, Bridget Phillipson, seen as the prime minister's favored choice, has highlighted unity, cautioning that voting for her rival would result in internal debate and divisions that could lead the Labour back to opposition.

Additional News Highlights

• Cutting the annual cash Isa allowance may not persuade savers to invest in stocks but could push up mortgage costs, MPs have cautioned the finance minister.
• A heavy defeat for Labour in next May’s council elections could spell the end of Keir Starmer’s premiership, MPs have said, after the party experienced a significant loss in its Welsh heartland.
• Rishi Sunak was the sole MP provided a testimonial by the deputy national security adviser involved in a controversy over the collapse of a legal case against two UK nationals accused of spying for China.

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