A prominent Conservative member, Kemi Badenoch, is facing criticism for allegedly prioritizing her representation of Roman Abramovich over providing legal counsel on Russia and Ukraine. Calls have been made to dismiss shadow attorney general Lord Wolfson, who was revealed to be handling a legal case involving the oligarch in Jersey. The UK government has urged Abramovich to release £2.5 billion of frozen assets to aid in the reconstruction efforts in Ukraine.
During a session of PMQs, Keir Starmer accused Ms. Badenoch of lacking judgment and leadership. Subsequently, the Conservative Party stated that Lord Wolfson had stepped back from advising on matters related to Russia and Ukraine.
At a protest outside Tory headquarters organized by the Ukraine Solidarity Campaign, Labour MP Joe Powell criticized Badenoch’s top legal adviser for prioritizing Abramovich’s case over providing essential advice on critical national and international issues concerning Ukraine’s security, Russian deterrence, and sanctions policies. Powell described the conflict of interest within the Conservative Party as completely unsustainable.
Lord Wolfson has been enlisted in Abramovich’s legal dispute with the Jersey government, which is investigating the origins of over £5.3 billion in assets connected to the oligarch. Abramovich contends that the transfer of assets to support Ukraine must await the conclusion of proceedings in Jersey. In a heated exchange during PMQs, Starmer called on the Tory leader to acknowledge the conflict of interest in retaining Lord Wolfson in the shadow cabinet.
Starmer emphasized the need for transparency, questioning whether the shadow attorney general’s position aligns with the party’s support for sanctions. He raised concerns about the appropriateness of discussing matters involving Abramovich within the shadow cabinet, given Lord Wolfson’s representation of the individual. Starmer criticized the lack of discernment and leadership displayed by Badenoch in handling the situation.
Abramovich relinquished ownership of Chelsea Football Club in 2022 after facing sanctions for his alleged ties to Vladimir Putin following the Ukrainian invasion. The proceeds from the club sale have been frozen, with the government expressing readiness to pursue legal action to release the funds designated for humanitarian purposes related to the conflict in Ukraine.
In response to queries, a spokesperson for Badenoch clarified that Lord Wolfson does not hold a position in the shadow cabinet and emphasized that the Jersey case operates in a distinct jurisdiction unrelated to the £2.5 billion from the Chelsea FC sale. The Conservatives reiterated their commitment to expediting the transfer of these funds to Ukraine.
Lord Wolfson has recused himself from providing legal advice on Ukraine and Russia, adhering to standard practices. Consequently, legal guidance on these matters may be offered by shadow solicitor general Helen Grant or other legal professionals within the shadow cabinet, such as shadow justice secretary Robert Jenrick.