Conservative MP Kemi Badenoch has launched a fierce public attack on Prime Minister Keir Starmer, accusing him of repeatedly lying about the role of shadow attorney general Lord David Wolfson in a long-running dispute over frozen funds from Roman Abramovich intended for Ukrainian war victims.
A Clash Over Legal Advice and Sanctions
The row erupted after Starmer criticised Lord Wolfson for "advising someone trying to escape sanctions," a reference to Russian oligarch Roman Abramovich. Wolfson has recused himself from offering Badenoch advice on matters relating to Ukraine and Russia due to his own legal duties.
In a post on social media platform X on Wednesday 07 January 2026, Badenoch stated she was not permitted to say in Parliament what she could state online: "today the Prime Minister lied and lied and lied again." She accused the Labour government of attempting to "smear a man defending our veterans in court" to divert attention from its own policy decisions.
The Complex Case of the Frozen £2.5bn
The controversy centres on the proceeds from Abramovich's £2.5 billion sale of Chelsea Football Club. These funds were designated for victims of the war in Ukraine but have remained frozen in a UK bank account for years. The UK government sanctioned Abramovich under the previous Conservative administration following Russia's full-scale invasion.
Lord Wolfson responded to the Prime Minister's accusations with a detailed letter. He clarified that his legal work for Abramovich is unrelated to UK sanctions or the frozen charity money. Instead, he is representing the oligarch in a data protection case against the Jersey government, which is conducting a criminal investigation into corruption and money laundering linked to Abramovich.
Wolfson emphasised he is not a member of the shadow Cabinet and his non-involvement in Ukraine-related advice is "standard practice," according to a Tory spokesman.
Veterans, Troubles, and Stalled Charity Funds
Badenoch defended Wolfson by highlighting his concurrent work representing UK veterans in a case concerning the Troubles in Northern Ireland. The government is appealing a decision that could reopen investigations into historical crimes from that period.
Meanwhile, the release of the Abramovich funds remains stalled. Prime Minister Starmer has threatened legal action against the oligarch if the money is not released, nearly three years after Chelsea FC was sold to American private equity investors.
The delay is attributed to disagreements over the terms for recipients. Mike Penrose, the humanitarian official tasked with overseeing the eventual charity, has previously pointed to EU involvement in designating the funding as a cause for the hold-up. The Labour Party has been approached for comment on the latest exchange between Badenoch and Wolfson.
