UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer’s chief of staff resigned amid controversy over the Mandelson scandal, and Japan’s conservative governing party have won a landslide victory in snap elections. Plus, top academics have dismissed Federal Reserve chair Kevin Warsh’s claim that an AI-induced productivity boom will create room for interest rate cuts. And, Syria has struck a deal that would give them control over major oil and gas fields offering a potential boost to its fragile economy.

Mentioned in this podcast:

Starmer battles to stay in Number 10 after dramatic exit of McSweeney

Sanae Takaichi’s LDP wins supermajority in Japan election

Economists reject Kevin Warsh’s claim that AI boom will enable rate cuts

Syria courts energy majors as it takes control of oilfields

Note: The FT does not use generative AI to voice its podcasts

Today’s FT News Briefing was hosted by Victoria Craig, and produced by Julia Webster. Our show was mixed by Alex Higgins. Additional help from Peter Barber. Our executive producer is Topher Forhecz. Cheryl Brumley is the FT’s Global Head of Audio. The show’s theme music is by Metaphor Music.

Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com

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Pressure mounts on Starmer even as top aid resigns

FT News Briefing