🔗 Share this article

The Labour Party is ready to announce its new deputy chief this Saturday, with polling data indicating Lucy Powell ahead of Bridget Phillipson as voting concluded on Thursday.

The Day's Political Agenda

Below is the political timeline for Saturday, according to the PA news agency:

• 10:00 AM: The party's deputy chief is set to be revealed in London. Addresses are anticipated afterwards from the victor and the PM.
• 1:00 PM: Demonstrators from rival factions are likely to gather in different sides of the capital after police banned Ukip activists from assembling in an East London area due to fears of public unrest.
• Saturday: Counting begins to reveal the new head of state of the Irish Republic.

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

Election Key Points and Contender Positions

Throughout the election race, Powell frequently referred to mistakes made by the party on issues such as the winter heating payments. In a final message to backers, she appeared to criticise a top-down approach within government, arguing that unquestioning compliance was a dereliction of duty.

If Powell wins, the result is expected to be seen as a criticism to Keir Starmer's governance from Labour members.

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

Labour’s struggles in the opinion polls have led to doubts among MPs about Starmer’s leadership.

Powell has emphasized that she wants to help Keir and our government to prosper but also informed supporters the party needs to adapt how it operates to turn things around.

In contrast, Phillipson, seen as Number 10's preferred candidate, has stressed cohesion, cautioning that choosing her rival would result in internal debate and divisions that could lead the Labour back to opposition.

Additional News Highlights

• Cutting the cash Isa limit may not persuade investors to invest in stocks but could increase mortgage costs, lawmakers have warned the chancellor.
• A wipeout for Labour in the upcoming local elections could signal the termination of Starmer's leadership, MPs have stated, after the Labour suffered a significant loss in its Welsh heartland.
• The former prime minister was the only politician provided a witness statement by the deputy national security adviser involved in a dispute over the collapse of a legal case against two British men alleged of espionage for China.

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