A senior member of the Conservative Party is under scrutiny for allegedly prioritizing legal representation for Roman Abramovich over providing counsel on matters concerning Russia and Ukraine.
Kemi Badenoch is facing demands to dismiss shadow attorney general Lord Wolfson after it was revealed that he was acting as legal counsel for the oligarch in a case 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 of Ukraine.
During a session of PMQs, Keir Starmer criticized Badenoch for what he perceived as a lack of sound judgment and leadership. The Conservative Party later clarified that Lord Wolfson had withdrawn from offering legal advice on Russian and Ukrainian affairs.
At a demonstration outside the Conservative Party headquarters organized by the Ukraine Solidarity Campaign, Labour MP Joe Powell expressed astonishment at the situation, calling the conflict of interest within the Conservative Party unacceptable. Lord Wolfson has been engaged in Abramovich’s legal dispute with the Jersey government concerning more than £5.3 billion in assets associated with him.
Abramovich has asserted that the transfer of assets to assist Ukraine cannot occur until the proceedings in Jersey are resolved. In a tense exchange during PMQs, Starmer urged the Tory leader to acknowledge the conflict of interest presented by Lord Wolfson’s continued presence in the shadow cabinet.
Starmer stated in the Commons, questioning whether Badenoch’s stance aligns with sending funds from Chelsea Football Club to Ukraine. He emphasized the need for leadership and judgment in such sensitive matters.
Abramovich sold the football club in 2022 after facing sanctions in the UK due to alleged connections with Vladimir Putin following the Ukrainian invasion. The funds from the sale have been frozen, prompting the government to consider legal action to release them for humanitarian purposes related to the war in Ukraine.
Last month, Starmer issued a warning to Abramovich, threatening legal action if he does not relinquish the proceeds from the Chelsea sale. A spokesperson for Badenoch clarified that Lord Wolfson is not part of the shadow cabinet and emphasized that the Jersey case is distinct from the funds intended for Ukraine.
Lord Wolfson has stepped back from offering legal advice on Russia and Ukraine, adhering to standard practice. Consequently, legal guidance on these matters may be provided by shadow solicitor general Helen Grant or other legal advisors within the shadow cabinet, such as shadow justice secretary Robert Jenrick.