Labour's Fresh Deputy Leader to Be Revealed This Saturday
Labour is ready to announce its new deputy chief this Saturday, with polling data suggesting the Manchester Central MP ahead of the education secretary as balloting concluded on the previous Thursday.
Today's Political Agenda
Below is the political timeline for today, as per the PA news agency:
- 10am: Labour’s new deputy leader is set to be revealed in central London. Addresses are anticipated following the announcement from the winner and the PM.
- 1pm: Demonstrators from rival factions are expected to descend on different sides of London after police banned Ukip activists from assembling in Whitechapel due to fears of serious disorder.
- Today: Vote counting starts to reveal the next president of Ireland.
Meanwhile, Epping Forest MP Neil Hudson is on the media interviews for the Tory party.
Election Key Points and Contender Positions
Throughout the election race, Lucy Powell often mentioned mistakes made by the party on matters such as the winter heating payments. In a final message to supporters, she seemed to question a top-down approach within government, arguing that blindly following along was a failure of responsibility.
If Powell does emerge victorious, the outcome is likely to be seen as a rebuke to Keir Starmer's governance from Labour members.
The prime minister has recently faced a difficult week, marked by a dispute over the grooming gangs inquiry and a defeat in the Senedd byelection in the Caerphilly seat.
The party's difficulties in the polls have led to doubts among backbenchers about the leader's position.
Powell has emphasized that she wants to help Keir and our government to succeed but also told supporters the party must change how it operates to turn things around.
Meanwhile, Phillipson, seen as Number 10's preferred candidate, has stressed unity, cautioning that choosing her rival would result in party disputes and divisions that could return the Labour back to opposition.
Other News Highlights
- Reducing the cash Isa limit may not encourage investors to switch to shares but could push up home loan rates, lawmakers have cautioned the chancellor.
- A heavy defeat for Labour in next May’s council elections could signal the termination of Starmer's leadership, MPs have said, after the Labour experienced a crushing defeat in its Welsh heartland.
- Rishi Sunak was the only politician provided a testimonial by the deputy national security adviser implicated in a dispute over the collapse of a legal case against two UK nationals alleged of spying for China.
The outcome of the deputy leader contest is scheduled to be declared at 10am BST.