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Labour is set to declare its new deputy chief today, with polling data indicating the Manchester Central MP ahead of Bridget Phillipson as voting concluded on Thursday.

Today's Schedule of Events

Presented is the politics schedule for today, according to the PA news agency:

• 10am: Labour’s new deputy leader will be announced in central London. Addresses are expected following the announcement from the winner and the PM.
• 1:00 PM: Protesters from opposing groups are expected to gather in separate areas of London after authorities banned Ukip activists from assembling in an East London area due to fears of public unrest.
• Saturday: Counting starts to reveal the new head of state of Ireland.

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

Election Highlights and Contender Stances

Throughout the campaign, Lucy Powell often referred to mistakes made by the Labour Party on issues such as the winter fuel allowance. In a closing statement to backers, she seemed to question a top-down culture within the administration, arguing that unquestioning compliance was a failure of responsibility.

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

Keir Starmer has recently endured a challenging period, dominated by a row over the grooming gangs investigation and a defeat in the Welsh assembly by-election in the Caerphilly seat.

Labour’s struggles in the polls have led to doubts among MPs about the leader's position.

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

Meanwhile, Phillipson, regarded as Number 10's preferred candidate, has stressed cohesion, warning that choosing her rival would result in party disputes and divisions that could lead the Labour back to opposition.

Other News Highlights

• Cutting the annual cash Isa allowance may not encourage investors to switch to shares but could push up home loan rates, lawmakers have cautioned the chancellor.
• A wipeout for the Labour Party in next May’s local elections could signal the termination of Starmer's leadership, MPs have said, after the party experienced a significant loss in Wales.
• The former prime minister was the only politician sent a witness statement by the deputy national security adviser involved in a dispute over the collapse of a case against two UK nationals accused of espionage for China.

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