A prominent Conservative member, Kemi Badenoch, is under scrutiny for allegedly prioritizing her representation of Roman Abramovich over providing legal counsel on matters concerning Russia and Ukraine. Calls have been made for shadow attorney general Lord Wolfson’s dismissal after it was revealed that he was handling a legal case for the oligarch in Jersey. The UK government has urged Abramovich, the former owner of Chelsea FC, to release £2.5 billion of frozen assets to aid in Ukraine’s reconstruction efforts.
During a session of PMQs, Keir Starmer criticized Badenoch for what he perceived as a lack of judgment and leadership. Following the backlash, the Conservatives clarified that Lord Wolfson had withdrawn from offering legal advice on Russian and Ukrainian matters.
At a demonstration outside the Conservative Party headquarters organized by the Ukraine Solidarity Campaign, Labour MP Joe Powell expressed astonishment at the situation, highlighting the conflict of interest within the party. Lord Wolfson’s involvement in Abramovich’s legal dispute with the Jersey government, related to assets worth over £5.3 billion, has raised concerns about his role in the shadow cabinet.
Abramovich has argued that the transfer of assets to support Ukraine must await the conclusion of the Jersey proceedings. Starmer emphasized the conflict of interest inherent in allowing Lord Wolfson to remain in the shadow cabinet, particularly concerning the allocation of funds from Chelsea Football Club to Ukraine.
Following Abramovich’s sale of the club and subsequent sanctions due to his alleged ties to Vladimir Putin, the UK government has frozen the proceeds, earmarked for humanitarian purposes tied to the Ukraine conflict. Starmer issued a warning to Abramovich, threatening legal action if the funds from the Chelsea sale are not released. Badenoch’s spokesperson clarified that Lord Wolfson does not participate in the shadow cabinet, and the Jersey case is distinct from the issue of the frozen funds meant for Ukraine.
Lord Wolfson has abstained from offering legal advice on Ukraine and Russia, with the responsibility potentially falling on shadow solicitor general Helen Grant or other lawyers within the shadow cabinet. The Conservative Party remains committed to releasing the funds for Ukraine’s benefit as soon as possible.