A prominent member of the Conservative Party is under fire for allegedly prioritizing representation of Roman Abramovich over providing legal counsel on matters concerning Russia and Ukraine.
Kemi Badenoch is being urged to dismiss shadow attorney general Lord Wolfson after it was revealed that he was acting as legal counsel for the oligarch in a legal dispute in Jersey. The UK government has urged Abramovich, the former owner of Chelsea FC, to release £2.5 billion in frozen assets to aid in the reconstruction efforts in Ukraine.
During a session of Prime Minister’s Questions, Keir Starmer criticized Ms. Badenoch for her lack of judgment and leadership. The Conservative Party later stated that Lord Wolfson had withdrawn from providing legal advice on Russia and Ukraine.
At a demonstration outside the Conservative Party headquarters organized by the Ukraine Solidarity Campaign, Labour MP Joe Powell condemned the situation, highlighting the conflict of interest within the party. Lord Wolfson is representing Abramovich in a legal battle with the Jersey government regarding assets totaling more than £5.3 billion.
Abramovich argues that the transfer of assets to support Ukraine cannot occur until the Jersey proceedings are concluded. In a heated exchange during PMQs, Starmer called on the Conservative leader to acknowledge the conflict of interest in retaining Lord Wolfson in the shadow cabinet.
Starmer stated, “If she can’t see the conflict of interest in that, then she shows no judgment and no leadership at all.” Abramovich sold Chelsea FC in 2022 after facing sanctions over alleged ties to Vladimir Putin following the Ukrainian invasion.
The proceeds from the sale have been frozen, with the government prepared to take legal action to release them for humanitarian purposes related to the conflict in Ukraine. Last month, Starmer issued a warning to Abramovich, threatening legal action if he does not release the funds.
A spokesperson for Badenoch clarified that Lord Wolfson is not part of the shadow cabinet and that the Jersey case is distinct from the funds related to Chelsea FC. Lord Wolfson has abstained from offering legal advice on Ukraine and Russia, with the possibility of other legal advisors within the shadow cabinet, such as Helen Grant and Robert Jenrick, addressing these issues.
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