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The Labour Party is set to reveal its fresh deputy chief this Saturday, with surveys pointing to the Manchester Central MP ahead of the education secretary as voting closed on Thursday.

Today's Political Agenda

Presented is the political schedule for Saturday, according to the PA news agency:

• 10am: The party's deputy chief is set to be revealed in central London. Speeches are expected following the announcement from the winner and the prime minister.
• 1:00 PM: Demonstrators from opposing groups are expected to gather in separate areas of the capital after police banned Ukip activists from assembling in Whitechapel due to fears of public unrest.
• Saturday: Vote counting starts to determine the new head of state of the Irish Republic.

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

Campaign Highlights and Contender Stances

Throughout the election race, Powell frequently mentioned errors made by the Labour Party on matters such as the winter fuel allowance. In a final message to backers, she seemed to question a top-down approach within the administration, stating that unquestioning compliance was a dereliction of duty.

Should Powell wins, the outcome is expected to be seen as a criticism to Keir Starmer's leadership from Labour members.

Keir Starmer has recently endured a difficult week, marked by a dispute over the grooming gangs investigation and a loss in the Welsh assembly by-election in the Caerphilly seat.

The party's difficulties in the opinion polls have led to doubts among backbenchers about Starmer’s leadership.

Lucy Powell has stressed that she aims to help Keir and our government to prosper but also told followers the Labour must change how it operates to turn things around.

In contrast, Phillipson, regarded as the prime minister's preferred candidate, has highlighted cohesion, cautioning that voting for her rival would result in party disputes and splits that could return the party back to being in opposition.

Other News Highlights

• Reducing the cash Isa limit may not encourage savers to invest in stocks but could increase home loan rates, lawmakers have warned the chancellor.
• A wipeout for the Labour Party in the upcoming local elections could signal the termination of Starmer's leadership, MPs have said, after the Labour experienced a significant loss in its Welsh heartland.
• The former prime minister was the sole MP sent a witness statement by the security official implicated in a dispute over the collapse of a case against two UK nationals alleged of espionage for China.

The result of the deputy leadership election is expected to be declared at 10am BST.