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Labour is poised to announce its new deputy chief today, with surveys pointing to Lucy Powell ahead of the education secretary as balloting closed on the previous Thursday.

The Day's Schedule of Events

Here is the political schedule for today, based on the news schedule:

• 10am: The party's deputy chief will be announced in central London. Speeches are anticipated following the announcement from the victor and the prime minister.
• 1:00 PM: Demonstrators from rival factions are expected to gather in different sides of the capital after police prohibited Ukip supporters from assembling in Whitechapel due to fears of serious disorder.
• Today: Vote counting begins to determine the next president of the Irish Republic.

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

Campaign Key Points and Candidate Stances

Throughout the election race, Lucy Powell frequently mentioned mistakes made by the Labour Party on matters such as the winter heating payments. In a final message to supporters, she seemed to question a top-down culture within government, stating that unquestioning compliance was a failure of duty.

Should Powell wins, the result is likely to be seen as a criticism to Keir Starmer's governance from party members.

The prime minister has already endured a challenging period, marked by a row over the grooming gangs inquiry and a loss in the Welsh assembly by-election in Caerphilly.

The party's difficulties in the polls have sparked questions among backbenchers about the leader's position.

Lucy Powell has stressed that she aims to help Keir and our government to prosper but also told followers the Labour needs to adapt how it functions to turn things around.

In contrast, Bridget Phillipson, regarded as the prime minister's preferred candidate, 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 Political Headlines

• Reducing the annual cash Isa allowance may not encourage savers to switch to shares but could increase home loan rates, MPs have warned the chancellor.
• A wipeout for Labour in the upcoming local elections could signal the termination of Keir Starmer’s premiership, parliamentarians have said, after the party suffered a crushing defeat in its Welsh heartland.
• Rishi Sunak was the only politician sent a witness statement by the deputy national security adviser implicated in a dispute over the dismissal of a legal case against two British men accused of espionage for China.

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