A senior Conservative frontbencher is embroiled in a major political row after it was revealed he is representing sanctioned oligarch Roman Abramovich in a legal case, rather than providing legal advice on the war in Ukraine.
Shadow Cabinet Adviser's Dual Role Sparks Outrage
Lord Wolfson of Tredegar, the Conservative shadow attorney general, faces mounting pressure to resign after it emerged he is part of the legal team acting for Roman Abramovich in Jersey. The development has led to accusations that he has prioritised representing the oligarch over his duty to advise shadow ministers on matters of national security, Russian deterrence, and sanctions policy related to Ukraine.
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer launched a fierce attack on Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch during Prime Minister's Questions on 7 January 2026, accusing her of showing "no judgement and no leadership" for allowing the situation to persist. He highlighted the clear conflict of interest, given the Conservative Party's stated support for using £2.5 billion from the frozen sale of Chelsea Football Club to help rebuild Ukraine.
The Legal Standoff Over Billions in Frozen Assets
The controversy centres on two separate but linked legal matters involving Abramovich's vast wealth. The UK government has issued an ultimatum to the billionaire, demanding he hand over the £2.5 billion in proceeds from the 2022 sale of Chelsea FC, which were frozen after he was sanctioned for his alleged ties to Vladimir Putin following Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
Simultaneously, Lord Wolfson has been instructed in Abramovich's legal battle with the Jersey government, which is investigating the source of more than £5.3 billion in assets linked to him held on the island. It is understood that Abramovich's lawyers argue the transfer of funds to Ukraine cannot proceed until the Jersey proceedings have concluded.
Conservatives Defend Position as Calls for Sackings Grow
Addressing a protest organised by the Ukraine Solidarity Campaign outside Conservative headquarters, Labour MP Joe Powell said the conflict of interest was "completely untenable." He stated it was "astonishing" that Badenoch's top legal adviser had made such a choice.
In response, a spokesman for Kemi Badenoch stated that Lord Wolfson does not sit in the shadow cabinet and that the Jersey case was in a "completely different jurisdiction" with no read-across to the Chelsea funds. The spokesman confirmed that Lord Wolfson has recused himself from giving legal advice on Ukraine and Russia, with such counsel now to be provided by others like shadow solicitor general Helen Grant.
The Conservatives reiterated their position, stating on multiple occasions that they want to see the £2.5 billion from Chelsea's sale reach Ukraine "as soon as possible." However, the political damage from the perception of a top Tory lawyer working for a sanctioned oligarch while the party advocates for Ukraine continues to mount.
