The Conservative Party is facing intense scrutiny and accusations of a serious conflict of interest after it was revealed that its shadow attorney general is representing the sanctioned Russian oligarch Roman Abramovich in a major legal case.
Labour Demands Action Over Shadow Minister's Role
Labour has turned its fire on Kemi Badenoch, the Conservative leader, demanding she disclose whether she knew that David Wolfson, a Tory peer and her shadow attorney general, was due to join the legal team for Roman Abramovich. The oligarch is attempting to recover billions in frozen assets in the Channel Islands.
Anna Turley, the Labour party chair, called on Badenoch to make clear that “nobody representing a man who is currently under British sanctions can serve around her shadow cabinet table.” Turley accused the Tory leader of allowing her top team to take on second jobs that clash with British and Ukrainian interests, labelling it “a totally irresponsible position.”
The Jersey Legal Battle and Frozen Chelsea Funds
The case centres on a legal battle with the government of Jersey, which launched an investigation into the source of more than £5.3bn of assets linked to Abramovich. Ministers have stated that this Jersey case is delaying the release of £2.5bn from Abramovich’s sale of Chelsea Football Club.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer recently issued a final warning, giving Abramovich 90 days to release the Chelsea sale funds or face court action. The government intends to convert this money into a foundation for humanitarian causes in Ukraine following Russia's invasion.
Justice minister Jake Richards added to the pressure, stating on Monday that Wolfson should either quit the shadow cabinet or leave Abramovich’s legal team. In a letter to Badenoch, Richards questioned whether Wolfson had recused himself from party policy on Abramovich’s assets, arguing his advisory role was “clearly compromised.”
Conservatives Defend Wolfson and Accuse Labour of Hypocrisy
A Conservative party spokesperson defended Lord Wolfson, stating: “Lord Wolfson is instructed in ongoing legal proceedings in Jersey. He is not instructed on the Chelsea FC matter.” The spokesperson emphasised the party's commitment to Ukraine, accusing Labour of “sinking to new depths.”
The Tories retaliated by accusing Labour ministers of “rank hypocrisy,” pointing out that the current attorney general, Richard Hermer, has previously acted for controversial clients like Gerry Adams and been involved in the Shamima Begum case. They highlighted the “cab-rank rule” for barristers, which obliges them to accept cases they are qualified for, regardless of personal views.
However, in his letter, Jake Richards argued that while the cab-rank rule must be respected, “it cannot remove conflicts of interest, or eliminate the responsibility of politicians to avoid such conflicts.” The Ukraine Solidarity Campaign also criticised the situation, saying it raised profound questions about the Conservative party's “long‑standing entanglement with Russian wealth.”
