A prominent Conservative member is facing criticism for allegedly prioritizing legal representation for Roman Abramovich over providing counsel on matters concerning Russia and Ukraine.
Kemi Badenoch is under pressure to dismiss shadow attorney general Lord Wolfson after it was revealed that he was acting on behalf of the billionaire in a legal dispute in Jersey. The UK government has urged the former owner of Chelsea FC to release £2.5 billion of frozen assets to aid in the reconstruction of Ukraine.
During the Prime Minister’s Questions, Keir Starmer accused Ms. Badenoch of lacking judgment and leadership. The Conservative Party later stated that Lord Wolfson had withdrawn from providing legal advice on Russia and Ukraine.
Speaking at a demonstration outside Conservative Party headquarters organized by the Ukraine Solidarity Campaign, Labour MP Joe Powell remarked, “It is remarkable that Kemi Badenoch’s principal legal adviser has chosen to represent sanctioned oligarch Roman Abramovich rather than fulfilling his duty to offer advice to shadow ministers on critical national and international issues, including Ukraine’s security, Russian deterrence, and sanctions policy.
“This conflict of interest within the Conservative Party is completely unsustainable.” Lord Wolfson has been engaged in Abramovich’s legal battle with the Jersey government, which is investigating the origins of over £5.3 billion in assets associated with him held there.
It is reported that Abramovich has argued that the transfer of assets to support Ukraine cannot take place until the Jersey proceedings are concluded. In a heated exchange during PMQs, Mr. Starmer called on the Conservative leader to acknowledge the conflict of interest in retaining Lord Wolfson in the shadow cabinet.
He stated in the Commons, “I understand that lawyers have a duty to represent various clients, that is clear. The question is whether the shadow attorney general can serve in the shadow cabinet when the opposing party (the Tories) claims to support us on sanctions.
“We expect the funds from Chelsea Football Club to be directed towards Ukraine. I am uncertain if that is her stance.
“If it is her stance, presumably it is a topic discussed within the shadow cabinet, advised by a Shadow Attorney General who is representing the very individual whose funds we aim to send to Ukraine.
“If she fails to recognize the conflict of interest in this situation, then she demonstrates a lack of judgment and leadership. It may be a new year, but the opposition leader has nothing of value to offer the nation.
“She is inconsequential. No one is paying attention to her.” Abramovich sold the club in 2022 after facing sanctions in the UK over alleged connections to Vladimir Putin following the Ukraine conflict.
The proceeds from the sale have been frozen, and the government has indicated readiness to pursue legal action to release them. These funds were designated for humanitarian purposes related to the Ukrainian conflict but are currently held in a UK bank account due to a standoff between Abramovich’s legal team and the government.
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