Keir Starmer has criticized Kemi Badenoch for allowing a member of Roman Abramovich’s legal team to be part of her inner circle. The Prime Minister expressed his disapproval after it was revealed that Shadow Attorney General Lord Wolfson is representing the former Chelsea owner, who is under scrutiny to contribute £2.5 billion towards the reconstruction of Ukraine.
Lord Wolfson has been engaged in Abramovich’s legal dispute with the Jersey government regarding the origins of assets totaling over £5.3 billion held in Jersey. Abramovich has contended that the asset transfer for Ukraine aid should wait until the Jersey proceedings are resolved.
During a tense exchange in PMQs, Starmer criticized Badenoch for what he viewed as a lack of judgment and leadership. He raised concerns about a conflict of interest in retaining Lord Wolfson in the shadow cabinet, especially given the support for sanctions from the opposing party.
Starmer questioned whether the shadow cabinet, advised by a Shadow Attorney General representing Abramovich, could effectively discuss sending Chelsea Football Club’s funds to Ukraine. The Opposition Leader emphasized the need for Badenoch to acknowledge the conflict of interest to demonstrate better judgment and leadership.
Following sanctions against Abramovich in connection to Vladimir Putin and Ukraine’s invasion, the proceeds from Chelsea’s sale have been frozen. The Government is prepared to take legal action to release these funds, intended for humanitarian efforts linked to the Ukraine conflict.
In December, Starmer issued a warning to Abramovich, threatening legal action if the proceeds from the Chelsea sale were not handed over. Labour’s Justice Minister, Jake Richards, highlighted the conflict of interest in Lord Wolfson’s representation of Abramovich affecting his role in advising Badenoch.
Richards called on Badenoch to clarify the alignment of the Opposition with the Government’s stance on Abramovich’s financial contributions to Ukraine. The Conservative party dismissed Labour’s critique as politically motivated, emphasizing that Wolfson’s legal involvement does not extend to Chelsea FC matters.
The Tories defended Lord Wolfson’s position, stating that he is focused on legal proceedings in Jersey and not involved in Chelsea FC affairs. They criticized Labour’s accusations as misinterpretations of the legal profession’s practices, urging the party to refrain from baseless attacks.