A prominent Conservative member, Kemi Badenoch, is under scrutiny for her association with Roman Abramovich, diverting attention from advising on matters concerning Russia and Ukraine. Calls have arisen for the removal of Lord Wolfson, the shadow attorney general, who was found to be representing the oligarch in a legal dispute in Jersey. The UK Government has urged Abramovich to release £2.5 billion of frozen funds to aid in the reconstruction of Ukraine.
During a session of PMQs, Keir Starmer criticized Badenoch for her lack of discernment and leadership. Subsequently, the Conservative Party stated that Lord Wolfson had withdrawn from providing legal counsel on Russian and Ukrainian affairs.
At a demonstration outside Tory headquarters led by the Ukraine Solidarity Campaign, Labour MP Joe Powell remarked on the conflict of interest within the Conservative Party. Lord Wolfson’s involvement in Abramovich’s legal battle with the Jersey government, investigating the origins of over £5.3 billion in assets linked to the oligarch, was highlighted.
It has been argued by Abramovich that the transfer of assets to support Ukraine is contingent upon the resolution of the Jersey proceedings. In a heated exchange during PMQs, Starmer pressed the Conservative leader to acknowledge the conflict of interest in retaining Lord Wolfson in the shadow cabinet.
Starmer pointed out the incongruity of having the Shadow Attorney General represent an individual whose funds are intended for Ukraine, emphasizing the need for ethical leadership. The sale of Chelsea Football Club by Abramovich in 2022, following sanctions imposed by the UK due to alleged connections with Vladimir Putin, has resulted in frozen proceeds that the Government is seeking to release for humanitarian purposes related to the conflict in Ukraine.
In response to the situation, Starmer issued a warning to Abramovich, indicating potential legal action if the funds from the Chelsea sale are not surrendered. A spokesperson for Badenoch clarified that Lord Wolfson is not part of the shadow cabinet and that the Jersey case is a distinct legal matter.
Lord Wolfson has abstained from offering legal advice on Ukraine and Russia, adhering to standard protocol. Alternative legal counsel on these subjects could be provided by shadow solicitor general Helen Grant or other legal advisors within the shadow cabinet, such as shadow justice secretary Robert Jenrick, the spokesperson affirmed.