Labour Criticises Lord Wolfson Over Representation of Sanctioned Russian Billionaire Roman Abramovich
Labour has criticised Conservative shadow attorney general Lord Wolfson for representing Roman Abramovich, a sanctioned Russian billionaire. Justice Minister Jake Richards described it as indefensible for Wolfson to hold a frontbench position while acting for Abramovich, citing risks of conflicts of interest.
Wolfson is part of the legal team involved in the Jersey government case concerning proceeds from the sale of Chelsea FC. Jersey began investigating the source of the funds in April 2022. Since Abramovich was sanctioned in March 2022, courts in Jersey have frozen more than £5.3 billion in assets linked to him. The funds from the Chelsea sale remain inaccessible due to UK sanctions.
Richards questioned in a letter whether Wolfson had influenced Conservative policy regarding the transfer of the Chelsea sale funds and if he declared or recused himself from any related decisions. Although the cab rank rule was cited in Wolfson's defence, Richards said it does not remove conflicts of interest. Being paid to represent Abramovich compromises Wolfson's ability to advise impartially on this matter.
Conservative shadow chancellor Alex Burghart responded that Wolfson has no financial interest in the case outcome and acted with professional integrity. He stated that the Chelsea sale funds should reach the intended recipients lawfully and promptly. However, there has been a delay releasing the funds due to a standoff over their use. The funds are frozen in a British bank account and cannot be accessed by Abramovich while sanctions remain in place.
Separately, Labour leader Keir Starmer has urged Abramovich to "pay up now" or face court action.
