Keir Starmer has criticized Kemi Badenoch for allowing a member of Roman Abramovich’s legal team to have a prominent position in her inner circle. The Prime Minister expressed his disapproval following revelations that Shadow Attorney General Lord Wolfson is representing the former Chelsea owner, who is under pressure to transfer £2.5 billion to support Ukraine’s reconstruction efforts.
Lord Wolfson has been engaged in Abramovich’s legal dispute with the Jersey government, which is investigating the origins of over £5.3 billion in assets associated with him held in Jersey. Abramovich contends that the asset transfer to aid Ukraine cannot proceed until the Jersey proceedings are finalized.
During a contentious exchange at PMQs, Starmer accused Badenoch of lacking judgment and leadership by allowing Lord Wolfson to retain a position in the shadow cabinet despite the potential conflict of interest. Starmer questioned the appropriateness of having a Shadow Attorney General representing Abramovich while discussing sending funds from Chelsea Football Club to Ukraine.
Abramovich divested the club in 2022 after facing UK sanctions over alleged links to Vladimir Putin following the Ukraine invasion. The sale proceeds are frozen, with the Government prepared to take legal action to release them for humanitarian purposes related to the Ukraine conflict.
In December, Starmer issued an ultimatum to Abramovich, warning of legal action if the sale proceeds are not handed over. In a letter to Badenoch, Labour’s Jake Richards emphasized Lord Wolfson’s compromised position as a paid representative of Abramovich, raising concerns about his role in advising on matters affecting both the Government and the Opposition.
The Tories dismissed Labour’s criticism, asserting that Lord Wolfson’s involvement is focused on separate legal proceedings in Jersey and not related to Chelsea FC. They labeled Labour’s stance as politically motivated, emphasizing that barristers represent clients, not causes, and calling for an end to mudslinging.
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