🔗 Share this article

The Labour Party is poised to reveal its fresh deputy chief today, with polling data pointing to the Manchester Central MP leading Bridget Phillipson as balloting ended on Thursday.

Today's Schedule of Events

Below is the politics agenda for today, as per the news schedule:

• 10:00 AM: Labour’s new deputy leader is set to be revealed in central London. Addresses are expected afterwards from the victor and the PM.
• 1:00 PM: Demonstrators from opposing groups are expected to gather in different sides of the capital after police prohibited Ukip supporters from gathering in Whitechapel due to concerns of serious disorder.
• Saturday: Vote counting starts to reveal the new head of state of the Irish Republic.

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

Election Key Points and Contender Stances

Throughout the campaign, Powell often mentioned errors made by the party on matters such as the winter fuel allowance. In a final message to backers, she appeared to criticise a command and control culture within the administration, arguing that blindly following along was a failure of duty.

If Powell wins, the outcome is expected to be seen as a rebuke to Keir Starmer's leadership from party members.

Keir Starmer has recently faced a challenging week, dominated by a dispute over the grooming gangs inquiry and a loss in the Welsh assembly by-election in the Caerphilly seat.

The party's difficulties in the polls have sparked questions among MPs about Starmer’s leadership.

Powell has stressed that she wants to support the PM and administration to prosper but also informed supporters the Labour needs to adapt how it operates to improve the situation.

Meanwhile, Bridget Phillipson, regarded as Number 10's favored choice, has highlighted unity, warning that choosing her rival would result in internal debate and divisions that could lead the party back to being in opposition.

Other Political Headlines

• Reducing the annual cash Isa allowance may not persuade savers to switch to shares but could push up home loan rates, lawmakers have warned the finance minister.
• A heavy defeat for Labour in next May’s council elections could spell the end of Keir Starmer’s premiership, parliamentarians have said, after the Labour suffered a crushing defeat in its Welsh heartland.
• Rishi Sunak was the only politician provided a witness statement by the deputy national security adviser involved in a controversy 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 10:00 AM British Summer Time.