A senior 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 facing calls to dismiss shadow attorney general Lord Wolfson after revelations that he was handling a legal case for the oligarch in Jersey. The UK government has urged Abramovich to release £2.5 billion in frozen assets to aid in the reconstruction of Ukraine.
During the Prime Minister’s Questions session, Keir Starmer criticized Ms. Badenoch for what he deemed as a lack of judgment and leadership. The Conservative Party later clarified that Lord Wolfson had withdrawn from offering legal advice on Russia and Ukraine.
At a demonstration outside the Tory headquarters organized by the Ukraine Solidarity Campaign, Labour MP Joe Powell expressed astonishment at the situation. He highlighted the conflict of interest within the Conservative Party due to Lord Wolfson’s involvement in Abramovich’s legal battle, which revolves around assets worth over £5.3 billion held in Jersey.
Abramovich has reportedly argued that the transfer of assets to support Ukraine cannot proceed until the Jersey proceedings conclude. In a tense exchange during PMQs, Starmer called on the Tory leader to acknowledge the conflict of interest posed by Lord Wolfson’s continued presence in the shadow cabinet.
Starmer emphasized the importance of ensuring that funds from Chelsea Football Club reach Ukraine, questioning whether this aligns with Ms. Badenoch’s stance. The former Chelsea owner, Abramovich, faced sanctions in the UK over alleged ties to Vladimir Putin following the Ukrainian invasion, leading to the freezing of proceeds from the club’s sale.
Efforts to release these funds have been met with legal obstacles, with the government prepared to pursue legal measures if necessary. While a spokesperson for Mrs. Badenoch clarified that Lord Wolfson does not sit in the shadow cabinet, emphasizing that the Jersey case is distinct, Starmer warned of potential legal action against Abramovich if the funds are not handed over promptly.
Lord Wolfson has stepped back from providing legal guidance on matters related to Ukraine and Russia, with alternative legal counsel options available within the shadow cabinet.