The Labour Party's Fresh Deputy Chief Set to Be Declared Today
Labour is set to announce its fresh deputy chief this Saturday, with surveys suggesting Lucy Powell in front of the education secretary as voting concluded on Thursday.
Today's Schedule of Events
Here is the political agenda for today, according to the news schedule:
- 10am: The party's deputy chief is set to be revealed in London. Speeches are expected following the announcement from the winner and the prime minister.
- 1pm: Demonstrators from opposing groups are expected to gather in separate areas of the capital after authorities banned Ukip supporters from gathering in Whitechapel due to fears of serious disorder.
- Today: Vote counting starts to determine the next president of the Irish Republic.
Additionally, the Epping Forest MP Conservative MP Neil Hudson is on the morning media rounds for the Tory party.
Campaign Key Points and Candidate Stances
During the election race, Powell often mentioned mistakes made by the party on matters such as the winter heating payments. In a final message to backers, she appeared to criticise a command and control approach within the administration, stating that blindly following along was a dereliction of responsibility.
If Powell wins, the result is expected to be seen as a criticism to Keir Starmer's governance from Labour members.
The prime minister has recently endured a difficult week, dominated by a row over the grooming gangs inquiry and a defeat in the Senedd byelection in Caerphilly.
The party's difficulties in the opinion polls have sparked questions among backbenchers about the leader's position.
Lucy Powell has stressed that she wants to support the PM and administration to prosper but also told supporters the Labour needs to adapt how it operates to turn things around.
Meanwhile, Bridget Phillipson, regarded as the prime minister's preferred candidate, has stressed unity, warning that voting for her opponent would result in party disputes and divisions that could lead the party back to opposition.
Other News Highlights
- Cutting the cash Isa limit may not persuade investors to invest in stocks but could push up home loan rates, MPs have cautioned the chancellor.
- A wipeout for Labour in the upcoming council elections could signal the termination of Keir Starmer’s premiership, MPs have said, after the party suffered a crushing defeat in its Welsh heartland.
- Rishi Sunak was the sole MP sent a testimonial by the security official involved in a controversy over the collapse of a legal case against two UK nationals alleged of espionage for China.
The result of the deputy leader contest is scheduled to be declared at 10am BST.
