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Labour is ready to reveal its fresh deputy leader today, with polling data indicating the Manchester Central MP ahead of the education secretary as balloting closed on Thursday.

The Day's Political Agenda

Below is the political schedule for today, based on the PA news agency:

• 10:00 AM: The party's deputy chief is set to be revealed in central London. Addresses are anticipated following the announcement from the victor and the PM.
• 1pm: Demonstrators from opposing groups are expected to gather in separate areas of London after police prohibited Ukip activists from assembling in Whitechapel due to fears of serious disorder.
• Saturday: Counting begins to reveal the next president of Ireland.

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

Campaign Key Points and Contender Stances

During the campaign, Powell often referred to errors made by the party on matters such as the winter fuel allowance. In a final message to backers, she seemed to question a top-down culture within government, stating that blindly following along was a dereliction of responsibility.

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

The prime minister has recently faced a difficult week, marked by a dispute over the grooming gangs investigation and a loss in the Senedd byelection in the Caerphilly seat.

Labour’s struggles in the opinion polls have led to questions among backbenchers about Starmer’s leadership.

Lucy Powell has stressed that she aims to help Keir and our government to prosper but also told supporters the party needs to adapt how it operates to improve the situation.

Meanwhile, Bridget Phillipson, seen as Number 10's favored choice, has stressed cohesion, warning that voting for her opponent would result in internal debate and divisions that could lead the party back to opposition.

Other Political Headlines

• Cutting the cash Isa limit may not encourage investors to invest in stocks but could increase home loan rates, lawmakers have warned the finance minister.
• A wipeout for the Labour Party in the upcoming local elections could signal the termination of Keir Starmer’s premiership, parliamentarians have said, after the Labour suffered a significant loss in Wales.
• Rishi Sunak was the sole MP sent a testimonial by the security official involved in a controversy over the collapse of a case against two UK nationals alleged of spying for China.

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