Pressure mounts on Starmer even as top aide resigns

9 February 2026 · 12m

FT News Briefing

Play — keeps going as you browse

Not rated yet

Comments

oldest first

Show notes

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

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

More episodes

Fed holds rates as inflation fears grow30 Jul The Big Tech earnings dilemma29 Jul Ares’ big play in private equity28 Jul Hike or hold: Investors split ahead of Fed decision27 Jul Oil hits $100 and drives global bond sell-off24 Jul

Where to listen

Where to listen to FT News Briefing

Listen on Apple Podcasts