A prominent Conservative member, Kemi Badenoch, is under scrutiny for allegedly prioritizing representation of Roman Abramovich over providing legal counsel on matters related to Russia and Ukraine. Calls have arisen for Lord Wolfson, the shadow attorney general, to be dismissed after revelations of his involvement in a legal case on behalf of the oligarch in Jersey. The government is urging Abramovich to release £2.5 billion of frozen assets to aid in the reconstruction of Ukraine.
During a session of PMQs, Keir Starmer criticized Badenoch for what he deemed as a lack of judgment and leadership. Following this, the Conservatives stated that Lord Wolfson had stepped back from advising on Russian and Ukrainian affairs.
At a demonstration outside Conservative headquarters organized by the Ukraine Solidarity Campaign, Labour MP Joe Powell expressed astonishment at the situation, citing the conflict of interest within the Conservative Party as unacceptable. Lord Wolfson is currently representing Abramovich in a legal dispute with the Jersey government concerning assets totaling £5.3 billion held there.
Abramovich argues that the transfer of assets to support Ukraine must await the conclusion of the Jersey proceedings. The opposition leader has highlighted the conflict of interest in allowing Lord Wolfson to remain within the shadow cabinet, especially considering the party’s support for sanctions.
The frozen proceeds from Abramovich’s sale of Chelsea FC, intended for humanitarian purposes related to the Ukraine conflict, are the subject of a legal dispute between his legal team and the government. Starmer has issued an ultimatum to the billionaire, warning of legal action if the funds are not released. Badenoch’s spokesperson clarified that Lord Wolfson does not sit in the shadow cabinet and that the Jersey case is unrelated to the funds from the Chelsea sale, which the Conservatives are eager to see allocated to Ukraine. Lord Wolfson has abstained from advising on matters concerning Ukraine and Russia, leaving the task to others within the shadow cabinet.
