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The Labour Party is ready to declare its new deputy chief this Saturday, with surveys suggesting Lucy Powell in front of the education secretary as balloting closed on the previous Thursday.

Today's Schedule of Events

Here is the politics agenda for Saturday, as per the news schedule:

• 10am: Labour’s new deputy leader is set to be revealed in central London. Addresses are expected afterwards from the victor and the prime minister.
• 1pm: Protesters from rival factions are likely to gather in different sides of London after authorities banned Ukip activists from gathering in an East London area due to concerns of serious disorder.
• Today: Counting starts to determine the new head of state of the Irish Republic.

Meanwhile, Epping Forest MP Neil Hudson is on the media interviews for the Tory party.

Campaign Key Points and Contender Positions

During the election race, Powell often referred to mistakes made by the party on matters such as the winter heating payments. In a final message to supporters, she appeared to criticise a command and control culture within the administration, arguing that blindly following along was a failure of duty.

If Powell does emerge victorious, the result is expected to be seen as a rebuke to Keir Starmer's governance from Labour members.

The prime minister has recently endured a difficult period, marked by a dispute over the grooming gangs inquiry and a loss in the Senedd byelection in the Caerphilly seat.

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

Powell has stressed that she aims to support the PM and administration to succeed but also told supporters the party must change how it operates to improve the situation.

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

Other Political Headlines

• Cutting the cash Isa limit may not persuade savers to switch to shares but could push up home loan rates, lawmakers have cautioned the chancellor.
• A heavy defeat for Labour in the upcoming local elections could signal the termination of Keir Starmer’s premiership, MPs have said, after the Labour suffered a crushing defeat in its Welsh heartland.
• The former prime minister was the sole MP provided a testimonial by the security official implicated in a controversy over the collapse of a legal case against two UK nationals alleged of spying for China.

The outcome of the deputy leader contest is expected to be announced at 10:00 AM British Summer Time.