A prominent Conservative member, Kemi Badenoch, is under fire for allegedly prioritizing her representation of Roman Abramovich over providing legal counsel on Russia and Ukraine. Calls have been made for her to dismiss shadow attorney general Lord Wolfson, who is involved in a legal case on behalf of the oligarch in Jersey. The UK government is urging Abramovich to release £2.5 billion of frozen funds to aid in the reconstruction of Ukraine.
During a parliamentary session, Keir Starmer criticized Badenoch for lacking judgment and leadership. Subsequently, the Conservative Party clarified that Lord Wolfson had distanced himself from advising on matters concerning Russia and Ukraine.
Amid a protest organized by the Ukraine Solidarity Campaign outside the Conservative Party headquarters, Labour MP Joe Powell expressed astonishment at the conflict of interest within the Conservative Party. Lord Wolfson is representing Abramovich in a legal dispute with the Jersey government, investigating over £5.3 billion in assets linked to the oligarch.
Abramovich contends that the asset transfer to assist Ukraine must wait until the Jersey proceedings conclude. In a heated exchange at PMQs, Starmer urged the Tory leader to acknowledge the conflict of interest in retaining Lord Wolfson in the shadow cabinet.
Starmer emphasized the need for Chelsea Football Club’s funds to support Ukraine and questioned Badenoch’s stance on the matter. He raised concerns about the shadow attorney general advising on sending money to Ukraine while representing Abramovich.
Following Abramovich’s sale of the club in response to UK sanctions tied to Vladimir Putin, the proceeds have been frozen. The government is ready to pursue legal action to release these funds intended for humanitarian purposes related to the Ukraine conflict.
In a recent ultimatum, Starmer warned Abramovich of legal repercussions if the funds from the Chelsea sale are not surrendered. Badenoch’s spokesperson clarified that Lord Wolfson is not part of the shadow cabinet and that the Jersey case is unrelated to the frozen £2.5 billion from the club sale earmarked for Ukraine.
Lord Wolfson has recused himself from providing legal advice on Ukraine and Russia, with shadow solicitor general Helen Grant and other legal advisors within the shadow cabinet now handling these matters.