The Labour Party is set to declare its new deputy leader today, with polls indicating the Manchester Central MP in front of the education secretary as balloting closed on the previous Thursday.
The Day's Political Agenda
Here is the politics schedule for today, as per the news schedule:
- 10am: Labour’s new deputy leader is set to be revealed in London. Speeches are expected afterwards from the winner and the PM.
- 1pm: Protesters from rival factions are expected to gather in different sides of the capital after authorities prohibited Ukip supporters from gathering in Whitechapel due to fears of serious disorder.
- Saturday: Counting begins to reveal the next president of the Irish Republic.
Meanwhile, the Epping Forest MP Neil Hudson is on the media interviews for the Tory party.
Campaign Highlights and Contender Stances
During the election race, Powell often referred to errors made by the party on matters such as the winter heating payments. In a closing statement to backers, she seemed to question a command and control culture within the administration, arguing that unquestioning compliance was a failure of responsibility.
Should Powell does emerge victorious, the result is expected to be seen as a rebuke to Keir Starmer's leadership from Labour members.
Keir Starmer has recently faced a difficult week, marked by a dispute over the grooming gangs inquiry and a defeat in the Welsh assembly by-election in Caerphilly.
Labour’s struggles in the opinion polls have led to questions among MPs about the leader's position.
Powell has stressed that she wants to support the PM and administration to prosper but also told followers the Labour needs to adapt how it operates to turn things around.
Meanwhile, Bridget Phillipson, regarded as Number 10's preferred candidate, has stressed cohesion, cautioning that voting for her opponent would result in party disputes and divisions that could return the party back to opposition.
Other Political Headlines
- Cutting the annual cash Isa allowance may not persuade savers to invest in stocks but could push up mortgage costs, lawmakers have warned the finance minister.
- A heavy defeat for the Labour Party in the upcoming local elections could signal the termination of Keir Starmer’s premiership, MPs have said, after the party experienced a significant loss in Wales.
- Rishi Sunak was the sole MP sent a testimonial by the deputy national security adviser involved in a controversy over the dismissal of a legal case against two British men alleged of spying for China.
The outcome of the deputy leadership election is expected to be announced at 10:00 AM British Summer Time.
