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Labour is poised to declare its new deputy chief today, with polling data indicating Lucy Powell leading Bridget Phillipson as balloting ended on the previous Thursday.

The Day's Political Agenda

Presented is the political agenda for today, as per the PA news agency:

• 10:00 AM: Labour’s new deputy leader is set to be revealed in central London. Addresses are expected afterwards from the winner and the prime minister.
• 1pm: Protesters from opposing groups are expected to gather in separate areas of the capital after police prohibited Ukip supporters from gathering in an East London area due to concerns of serious disorder.
• Saturday: Vote counting starts to reveal the new head of state of Ireland.

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

Campaign Key Points and Candidate Positions

Throughout the campaign, Lucy Powell often referred to mistakes made by the Labour Party on issues such as the winter heating payments. 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 rebuke to Keir Starmer's leadership from party members.

The prime minister has already faced a difficult period, dominated 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 doubts among backbenchers about Starmer’s leadership.

Powell has stressed that she aims to support the PM and administration to succeed but also informed supporters the Labour must change how it operates to turn things around.

Meanwhile, Bridget Phillipson, regarded as the prime minister's favored choice, has stressed unity, warning that voting for her opponent would result in internal debate and splits that could return the party back to opposition.

Other News Highlights

• Cutting the annual cash Isa allowance may not encourage investors to switch to shares but could push up mortgage costs, lawmakers have cautioned the chancellor.
• A heavy defeat for Labour in next May’s council elections could spell the end of Starmer's leadership, parliamentarians have stated, after the party experienced a significant loss in its Welsh heartland.
• Rishi Sunak was the only politician provided a testimonial by the deputy national security adviser involved in a controversy over the collapse of a case against two British men accused of espionage for China.

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