Kemi Badenoch, the leader of the Conservative party, is facing intense pressure following revelations that her shadow attorney general is representing the sanctioned Russian oligarch Roman Abramovich in a major legal case.
Shadow Minister in the Spotlight
The controversy centres on David Wolfson, a Conservative peer who serves as Badenoch's shadow attorney general. Lord Wolfson is part of the legal team acting for Abramovich as he attempts to recover billions in frozen assets held in the Channel Islands.
Abramovich is embroiled in a dispute with the government of Jersey, which has launched an investigation into the source of more than £5.3bn of assets linked to him. UK ministers have stated that this Jersey case is delaying the release of £2.5bn from Abramovich's forced sale of Chelsea Football Club, funds the government intends to use for humanitarian aid in Ukraine.
Labour's Demands and Accusations
Labour has seized on the issue, arguing that Wolfson's work creates an unacceptable conflict of interest for a senior opposition figure. Anna Turley, the Labour party chair, has demanded that Badenoch disclose whether she knew of Wolfson's plans and 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 moonlight second jobs that are in clear conflict with British and Ukrainian interests.” Labour's justice minister, Jake Richards, added to the pressure, stating that Wolfson must choose between his shadow cabinet role and Abramovich's legal team.
In a letter to Badenoch, Richards questioned whether Wolfson had recused himself from party policy regarding Abramovich's assets, stating his ability to advise was “clearly compromised.”
Conservatives Hit Back
The Conservative party has defended Lord Wolfson and attacked Labour's stance. A spokesperson stated: “Lord Wolfson is instructed in ongoing legal proceedings in Jersey. He is not instructed on the Chelsea FC matter.” They emphasised the party's support for Ukraine and dismissed Labour's criticism.
The Tories also accused Labour of “rank hypocrisy,” pointing out that the current Attorney General, Sir Richard Hermer, has previously represented controversial clients like Gerry Adams and been involved in the Shamima Begum case. They highlighted the long-standing “cab-rank rule” in the legal profession, which obliges barristers to accept cases they are qualified for.
However, in his letter, 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 row continues to raise significant questions about the intersection of legal practice, political office, and the UK's stance on Russian sanctions.
