A high-ranking Conservative member is facing accusations of prioritizing representation of Roman Abramovich over providing legal counsel on Russia and Ukraine.
Kemi Badenoch is under pressure to dismiss shadow attorney general Lord Wolfson after it was revealed that he was involved in a legal case on behalf of the oligarch in Jersey. The government has urged Abramovich to release £2.5 billion of frozen assets to aid Ukraine’s reconstruction.
During a session of PMQs, Keir Starmer criticized Ms. Badenoch for her alleged lack of judgment and leadership. The Conservative party later stated that Lord Wolfson had distanced himself from offering legal guidance regarding Russia and Ukraine.
Speaking at a demonstration outside Conservative headquarters organized by the Ukraine Solidarity Campaign, Labour MP Joe Powell expressed astonishment at the situation, highlighting the conflict of interest within the Conservative Party.
Lord Wolfson has been retained in Abramovich’s legal dispute with the Jersey government, investigating the origins of over £5.3 billion in assets linked to him in Jersey.
Abramovich contends that the asset transfer to support Ukraine cannot proceed until the Jersey proceedings are concluded. In a tense exchange during PMQs, Mr. Starmer called on the Tory leader to acknowledge the conflict of interest in retaining Lord Wolfson in the shadow cabinet.
Mr. Starmer emphasized the need for Chelsea Football Club’s funds to be directed to Ukraine, raising doubts about Ms. Badenoch’s stance on the matter.
Abramovich sold the club in 2022 following sanctions imposed by the UK over his alleged connections to Vladimir Putin in the aftermath of the Ukraine invasion. The proceeds from the sale have been frozen, with the government prepared to pursue legal action to release them for humanitarian purposes related to the Ukraine conflict.
Last month, Mr. Starmer issued a warning to Abramovich regarding potential legal action if he fails to hand over the Chelsea sale proceeds. A spokesperson for Mrs. Badenoch clarified that Lord Wolfson is not part of the shadow cabinet and that the Jersey case is separate from the issue of the frozen funds.
Lord Wolfson has abstained from providing legal advice on Ukraine and Russia as a standard practice. This allows for legal counsel on these matters to be offered by shadow solicitor general Helen Grant or other lawyers within the shadow cabinet, such as shadow justice secretary Robert Jenrick.