UK Opposition Minister Faces Scrutiny Over Ties to Sanctioned Russian Oligarch
LONDON – UK opposition leader Kemi Badenoch is under pressure after reports revealed that her shadow attorney general is representing Russian businessman Roman Abramovich, who is currently under UK sanctions.
David Wolfson, a Tory peer and shadow cabinet member, is part of the legal team helping Abramovich recover billions in frozen assets in the Channel Islands, according to The Guardian.
Legal Battle Over Abramovich Assets
Abramovich is involved in a legal dispute with the government of Jersey, which is investigating the origin of more than £5.3 billion ($7.16 billion) in assets linked to him. UK ministers say this case is delaying the release of £2.5 billion from Abramovich’s sale of Chelsea Football Club. The funds are intended to support reconstruction efforts in Ukraine after Russia’s invasion.
Earlier this month, Prime Minister Keir Starmer warned Abramovich to release the money within 90 days or face court action. Starmer said the funds would be converted into a foundation for humanitarian aid in Ukraine.
Conflict of Interest Concerns
Labour officials criticized Wolfson’s involvement, arguing it creates a serious conflict of interest. Labour party chair Anna Turley demanded that Badenoch clarify whether she knew about Wolfson’s role in the Jersey case. She stated: “Nobody representing a man who is currently under British sanctions can serve around her shadow cabinet table.”
Turley also accused the Tory leader of allowing her team members to hold second jobs that conflict with UK and Ukrainian interests, calling it “a totally irresponsible position for His Majesty’s official opposition.”
Calls for Action
Justice Minister Jake Richards said on Monday that Wolfson should either resign from the shadow cabinet or leave Abramovich’s legal team. In a letter to Badenoch, he questioned whether Wolfson had stepped aside from party policy on Abramovich’s assets, warning that his ability to advise the opposition leader was “clearly compromised.”
A Conservative party spokesperson responded, saying Wolfson “is instructed in ongoing legal proceedings in Jersey” but “is not involved in the Chelsea FC matter.” The spokesperson added: “The Conservative Party has always supported Ukraine. To suggest otherwise is simply political point-scoring by Labour.
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