A prominent member of the Conservative Party is facing criticism for allegedly prioritizing representation of Roman Abramovich over providing legal counsel on matters concerning Russia and Ukraine.
Kemi Badenoch, who serves as a key figure in the party, is under pressure to remove shadow attorney general Lord Wolfson from his position after it was revealed that he was acting as legal counsel for the oligarch in a case in Jersey. The government has urged Abramovich, the former owner of Chelsea FC, to release £2.5 billion of frozen assets to aid in the reconstruction of Ukraine.
During a session of Prime Minister’s Questions (PMQs), opposition leader Keir Starmer accused Badenoch of lacking judgment and leadership. Following the allegations, the Conservative Party stated that Lord Wolfson had decided to step back from providing legal advice on matters related to Russia and Ukraine.
At a demonstration outside Conservative Party headquarters organized by the Ukraine Solidarity Campaign, Labour MP Joe Powell expressed disbelief at Badenoch’s legal advisor’s choice to represent Abramovich instead of offering guidance on critical national and international issues, such as Ukraine’s security and Russian deterrence.
Lord Wolfson has been engaged in Abramovich’s legal dispute with the Jersey government, which is investigating the origins of over £5.3 billion worth of assets linked to the oligarch held in Jersey. Abramovich has contended that the transfer of assets to support Ukraine cannot proceed until the Jersey proceedings reach a conclusion.
In a heated exchange during PMQs, Starmer called on the Conservative Party to acknowledge the conflict of interest arising from Lord Wolfson’s continued presence in the shadow cabinet. He emphasized the importance of ensuring that funds from the sale of Chelsea Football Club go towards aiding Ukraine.
Following Abramovich’s sale of the football club in 2022 and subsequent sanctions imposed on him over alleged ties to Vladimir Putin, the proceeds were frozen. The government is prepared to take legal action to release these funds intended for humanitarian purposes related to the conflict in Ukraine.
Starmer issued a warning to Abramovich, threatening legal action if the proceeds from the Chelsea sale are not handed over. A spokesperson for Badenoch clarified that Lord Wolfson is not a member of the shadow cabinet and emphasized that the Jersey case is distinct from the funds earmarked for Ukraine.
Lord Wolfson has abstained from providing legal advice on matters concerning Ukraine and Russia, with such advice now potentially coming from shadow solicitor general Helen Grant or other legal experts within the shadow cabinet.