A prominent Conservative member is under scrutiny for allegedly prioritizing representation of Roman Abramovich over providing counsel on matters related to Russia and Ukraine. Kemi Badenoch is facing demands to dismiss shadow attorney general Lord Wolfson, who was discovered to be representing the oligarch in a legal dispute in Jersey. The UK government has urged Abramovich to release £2.5 billion of frozen assets to aid in Ukraine’s reconstruction efforts.
During a session of PMQs, Keir Starmer criticized Ms. Badenoch for what he described as a lack of sound judgment and leadership. The Conservative Party later stated that Lord Wolfson had withdrawn from offering legal advice concerning Russia and Ukraine.
Speaking 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 untenable. Lord Wolfson has been engaged in Abramovich’s legal battle with the Jersey government, which is investigating over £5.3 billion in assets associated with the oligarch.
Abramovich contends that the asset transfer to assist Ukraine cannot proceed until the Jersey proceedings are finalized. In a tense exchange during PMQs, Starmer urged the Tory leader to recognize the conflict of interest in retaining Lord Wolfson in the shadow cabinet.
Starmer stated in Parliament that while lawyers may represent various clients, the issue arises when the shadow attorney general is advising on matters, including sanctions, while representing the individual whose funds are intended for Ukraine. The funds from Chelsea Football Club sale, linked to Abramovich, are currently frozen, prompting the government to consider legal action to release them for humanitarian purposes related to the conflict in Ukraine.
Last month, Starmer warned Abramovich of potential legal consequences if he fails to release the sale proceeds. A spokesperson for Badenoch clarified that Lord Wolfson is not a member of the shadow cabinet and emphasized that the Jersey case has no connection to the £2.5 billion from the Chelsea sale intended for Ukraine.
Lord Wolfson has excused himself from providing legal counsel on Ukraine and Russia, with the task possibly falling to shadow solicitor general Helen Grant or other legal advisors within the shadow cabinet, such as shadow justice secretary Robert Jenrick.