Labour criticizes Lord Wolfson's representation of Russian oligarch Abramovich amid Chelsea sale dispute
Labour has accused Conservative shadow attorney general Lord Wolfson of representing Roman Abramovich, a sanctioned Russian oligarch, in a Jersey court case concerning the proceeds from the sale of Chelsea Football Club.
Abramovich has been under sanctions since March 2022, with Jersey courts freezing over £5.3 billion of assets linked to him. The Jersey government initiated an investigation into the source of the funds in April 2022, leading to a prolonged legal dispute regarding how the proceeds from the Chelsea sale should be allocated.
A government minister raised concerns that Wolfson's paid legal representation of Abramovich could create a conflict of interest, potentially undermining his ability to provide impartial policy advice. The cabinet responded by emphasizing that barristers act on behalf of their clients rather than causes, while acknowledging the possibility of conflicts and questioning whether Wolfson disclosed or recused himself from related governmental decisions.
The Conservative Party defended Wolfson, stating that he has no financial stake or contingent-fee arrangement in the case and asserting that funds should be delivered lawfully and promptly to their intended recipients.
