Labour leader Keir Starmer criticized Kemi Badenoch for allowing a member of Roman Abramovich’s legal team to have a prominent role in her team. The Prime Minister expressed disappointment when it was revealed that Shadow Attorney General Lord Wolfson is representing the former Chelsea owner, who is under pressure to contribute £2.5 billion towards the reconstruction of Ukraine.
Lord Wolfson is involved in Abramovich’s legal dispute with the Jersey government regarding the origin of over £5.3 billion in assets linked to the billionaire. Abramovich has argued that the transfer of assets to aid Ukraine cannot proceed until the Jersey proceedings are resolved.
During a tense exchange in Parliament, Starmer accused Badenoch of lacking judgment and leadership by allowing Lord Wolfson to remain in the shadow cabinet despite the potential conflict of interest. Starmer raised concerns about the inconsistency in supporting sanctions while having the Shadow Attorney General represent Abramovich, whose funds are sought for Ukrainian relief efforts.
Abramovich sold Chelsea Football Club in 2022 after facing UK sanctions due to alleged ties to Vladimir Putin following the Ukraine conflict. The sale proceeds are currently frozen in a UK bank account amidst a standoff between Abramovich’s legal team and the government.
In December, Starmer issued a warning to Abramovich, threatening legal action if he does not release the funds from the Chelsea sale. A letter from Labour Justice Minister Jake Richards highlighted the conflict of interest posed by Lord Wolfson’s representation of Abramovich while advising Badenoch.
The Conservatives defended Lord Wolfson, stating that he is not involved in Chelsea FC matters and dismissed Labour’s criticism as politically motivated. They emphasized that barristers represent clients, not causes, and criticized Labour for misunderstanding legal practices.