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Labour is poised to reveal its new deputy chief this Saturday, with polling data pointing to the Manchester Central MP in front of Bridget Phillipson as voting closed on Thursday.

The Day's Political Agenda

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

• 10am: The party's deputy chief will be announced in central London. Addresses are expected afterwards from the victor and the PM.
• 1pm: Protesters from opposing groups are expected to descend on different sides of the capital after police banned Ukip supporters from gathering in Whitechapel due to concerns of serious disorder.
• Saturday: Vote counting begins to reveal the new head of state of Ireland.

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

Election Highlights and Contender Positions

Throughout the campaign, Powell often referred to mistakes made by the Labour Party on issues such as the winter heating payments. In a closing statement to supporters, she seemed to question a top-down culture within government, arguing that unquestioning compliance was a dereliction of duty.

Should Powell does emerge victorious, the outcome is likely to be seen as a rebuke to the prime minister's leadership from Labour members.

The prime minister has already endured a difficult week, 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 polls have sparked doubts among MPs about Starmer’s leadership.

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

Meanwhile, Bridget Phillipson, seen as Number 10's favored choice, has stressed unity, warning that voting for her opponent would result in party disputes and divisions that could lead the Labour back to opposition.

Other Political Headlines

• Reducing the cash Isa limit may not persuade savers to invest in stocks but could increase mortgage costs, MPs have warned the chancellor.
• A wipeout for Labour in next May’s local elections could signal the termination of Keir Starmer’s premiership, parliamentarians have said, after the Labour suffered a crushing defeat in its Welsh heartland.
• Rishi Sunak was the sole MP sent a witness statement by the deputy national security adviser implicated in a controversy over the dismissal of a case against two British men alleged of spying for China.

The result of the deputy leader contest is expected to be announced at 10am BST.