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Labour is ready to announce its fresh deputy leader this Saturday, with surveys suggesting Lucy Powell in front of the education secretary as balloting concluded on Thursday.

The Day's Schedule of Events

Presented is the politics timeline for Saturday, as per the PA news agency:

• 10am: The party's deputy chief is set to be revealed in London. Addresses are anticipated following the announcement from the winner and the prime minister.
• 1pm: Demonstrators from opposing groups are expected to gather in different sides of the capital after police prohibited Ukip supporters from gathering in an East London area due to fears of public unrest.
• Saturday: Vote counting begins to reveal the new head of state of the Irish Republic.

Meanwhile, the Epping Forest MP Neil Hudson is conducting the media interviews for the Conservatives.

Election Highlights and Contender Stances

During the election race, Powell frequently referred to errors made by the party on issues such as the winter fuel allowance. In a final message to backers, she seemed to question a command and control approach within the administration, stating that blindly following along was a dereliction of responsibility.

If Powell wins, the result is likely to be seen as a criticism to the prime minister's governance from party members.

The prime minister has recently endured a difficult period, marked by a row over the grooming gangs inquiry and a loss in the Welsh assembly by-election in the Caerphilly seat.

Labour’s struggles in the polls have sparked questions among MPs about the leader's position.

Powell has emphasized that she wants to help Keir and our government to succeed but also told followers the Labour needs to adapt how it functions to improve the situation.

In contrast, Bridget Phillipson, regarded as Number 10's preferred candidate, has stressed unity, cautioning that voting for her rival would result in internal debate and splits that could return the party back to being in opposition.

Other News Highlights

• Cutting the cash Isa limit may not encourage investors to invest in stocks but could increase mortgage costs, lawmakers have warned the finance minister.
• A wipeout for Labour in next May’s local elections could signal the termination of Starmer's leadership, parliamentarians have said, after the Labour suffered a crushing defeat in its Welsh heartland.
• Rishi Sunak was the only politician sent a witness statement by the deputy national security adviser implicated in a controversy over the dismissal of a case against two British men accused of spying for China.

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