The Conservative Party has faced fierce criticism, labelled "pathetic," for its defence of a senior frontbencher who is acting as a lawyer for sanctioned Russian oligarch Roman Abramovich.
A 'Clear Conflict of Interest' Alleged
Justice Minister Jake Richards launched a scathing attack, stating that Shadow Attorney General Lord David Wolfson's role in Abramovich's legal battle with the Jersey government represents a "clear conflict of interest." He argued that Lord Wolfson cannot impartially advise Tory leader Kemi Badenoch on the party's Russia-Ukraine policy while being paid by Abramovich, whose assets are central to that very issue.
Richards said Badenoch's "desperate defence" of the situation, including a late-night response to his formal letter that he claims answered none of his questions, demonstrated "really weak" leadership. He insisted that Lord Wolfson must choose between his shadow cabinet role and his client, suggesting he should step down if he continues to represent the former Chelsea owner.
The Legal Battles and Frozen Funds
The row centres on two major legal issues involving Abramovich. Firstly, Lord Wolfson has been instructed in the oligarch's dispute with the Jersey government, which is investigating the source of more than £5.3 billion in assets linked to him held on the island.
Separately, the UK government is pursuing Abramovich for over £2.5 billion from the sale of Chelsea Football Club, funds intended to benefit the people of Ukraine. These remain frozen in a UK bank account. Abramovich, sanctioned over his alleged ties to Vladimir Putin following the invasion of Ukraine, has argued the transfer cannot proceed until the Jersey case concludes.
In his letter to Badenoch, Richards wrote: "As a paid representative of Mr Abramovich, he has a financial interest in the question of whether and when Mr Abramovich’s assets are transferred to benefit the people of Ukraine."
Political Fallout and Hypocrisy Claims
The Ukraine Solidarity Campaign voiced alarm, questioning if this indicated the Tories were preparing for "business as usual" with Russia and a potential alignment with Nigel Farage's Reform UK. The group called for emergency legislation to stop sanctioned individuals from "exploiting the UK legal system."
The Conservative Party hit back, branding Labour's attack "pure politics." A spokesman stated: "Lord Wolfson is instructed in on-going legal proceedings in Jersey. He is not instructed on the Chelsea FC matter." They accused Labour of hypocrisy, noting their own Attorney General has acted for controversial clients, and reaffirmed the party's commitment to Ukraine.
Richards, however, contrasted the situation with Boris Johnson's stance on Ukraine, questioning whether the former PM would find it acceptable for a senior Tory to be paid by Abramovich. The justice minister concluded that the party's handling of the affair revealed a fundamentally "pathetic" position.
