Labour is set to declare its new deputy leader today, with polling data pointing to Lucy Powell in front of the education secretary as balloting closed on the previous Thursday.
Today's Schedule of Events
Presented is the political schedule for today, according to the news schedule:
- 10am: The party's deputy chief will be announced in London. Speeches are expected following the announcement from the winner and the prime minister.
- 1pm: Protesters from opposing groups are expected to gather in separate areas of the capital after authorities banned Ukip activists from assembling in an East London area due to concerns of public unrest.
- Saturday: Counting starts to reveal the new head of state of the Irish Republic.
Meanwhile, Epping Forest MP Neil Hudson is conducting the media interviews for the Conservatives.
Campaign Key Points and Contender Positions
Throughout the campaign, Powell often mentioned errors made by the party on issues such as the winter heating payments. In a closing statement to backers, she seemed to question a command and control culture within government, arguing that blindly following along 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 governance from Labour members.
Keir Starmer has already endured a difficult period, marked by a row over the grooming gangs investigation and a loss in the Senedd byelection in Caerphilly.
Labour’s struggles in the polls have sparked doubts among backbenchers about Starmer’s leadership.
Powell has stressed that she wants to support the PM and administration to succeed but also informed supporters the Labour must change how it functions to improve the situation.
Meanwhile, Phillipson, regarded as the prime minister's favored choice, has stressed unity, warning that voting for her opponent would result in internal debate and divisions that could lead the Labour back to being in opposition.
Additional Political Headlines
- Reducing the cash Isa limit may not persuade savers to switch to shares but could increase home loan rates, lawmakers have warned the chancellor.
- A wipeout for Labour in next May’s local elections could spell the end of Keir Starmer’s premiership, MPs have said, after the Labour experienced a crushing defeat in its Welsh heartland.
- Rishi Sunak was the sole MP provided a testimonial by the deputy national security adviser implicated in a dispute 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.
