Labour leader Keir Starmer criticized Kemi Badenoch for allowing a member of Roman Abramovich’s legal team to have a prominent position within her inner circle. The Prime Minister expressed his disapproval upon learning that Shadow Attorney General Lord Wolfson is representing the former Chelsea owner, who is under scrutiny to contribute £2.5 billion towards rebuilding Ukraine.
Lord Wolfson has been engaged in Abramovich’s legal dispute with the Jersey government regarding the origins of over £5.3 billion in assets linked to the billionaire held in Jersey. Abramovich has asserted that the transfer of assets to aid Ukraine cannot occur until the Jersey proceedings are finalized.
During a heated exchange in PMQs, Starmer urged Badenoch to acknowledge the conflict of interest in retaining Lord Wolfson in the shadow cabinet. Starmer emphasized the importance of ensuring transparency and avoiding potential conflicts within the government.
Abramovich divested the club in 2022 following sanctions imposed by the UK due to his alleged connections to Vladimir Putin amidst the Ukraine crisis. The proceeds from the sale have been frozen, leading to a standoff between Abramovich’s legal team and the government over releasing the funds for humanitarian purposes related to the war in Ukraine.
In December, Starmer issued a warning to Abramovich, threatening legal action if the proceeds from the Chelsea sale are not transferred. A Labour Justice Minister underscored the ethical dilemma posed by Lord Wolfson’s dual roles and called for clarity on the party’s stance regarding Abramovich’s financial obligations towards Ukraine.
In response, the Conservatives dismissed Labour’s criticisms as politically motivated, asserting that Lord Wolfson’s involvement is limited to the Jersey legal proceedings and not related to Chelsea FC matters. The Tories criticized Labour for misinterpreting the role of barristers and accused them of engaging in baseless attacks.
The ongoing dispute highlights the complexities surrounding Abramovich’s financial responsibilities and the ethical considerations involved in legal representation within political contexts.