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Labour is set to announce its new deputy leader this Saturday, with surveys pointing to Lucy Powell in front of the education secretary as voting ended on the previous Thursday.

Today's Schedule of Events

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

• 10am: The party's deputy chief is set to be revealed in London. Speeches are anticipated following the announcement from the winner and the PM.
• 1pm: Protesters from opposing groups are likely to gather in different sides of London after police banned Ukip supporters from assembling in an East London area due to fears of serious disorder.
• Today: Counting begins to determine the new head of state of the Irish Republic.

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

Election Highlights and Contender Stances

Throughout the campaign, Powell frequently mentioned errors made by the party on matters such as the winter fuel allowance. In a closing statement to supporters, she seemed to question a command and control culture within the administration, arguing that blindly following along was a dereliction of duty.

If Powell does emerge victorious, the result is likely to be seen as a rebuke to the prime minister's leadership from party members.

Keir Starmer has already faced a challenging week, marked by a row over the grooming gangs investigation and a loss in the Welsh assembly by-election in Caerphilly.

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

Lucy Powell has emphasized that she aims to help Keir and our government to succeed but also told supporters the party needs to adapt how it operates to turn things around.

In contrast, Phillipson, regarded as Number 10's favored choice, has stressed unity, cautioning that voting for her rival would result in internal debate and splits that could lead the Labour back to opposition.

Other Political Headlines

• Reducing the annual cash Isa allowance may not encourage savers to switch to shares but could push up home loan rates, lawmakers have cautioned the chancellor.
• A wipeout for Labour in next May’s local elections could signal the termination of Keir Starmer’s premiership, parliamentarians have stated, after the Labour experienced a crushing defeat in its Welsh heartland.
• The former prime minister was the sole MP provided a witness statement by the security official involved in a dispute over the dismissal of a legal case against two British men accused of spying for China.

The outcome of the deputy leader contest is scheduled to be declared at 10am BST.