Tory Shadow Minister Faces Conflict of Interest Accusations Over Abramovich Case
On 30 December 2025, Labour accused Conservative shadow attorney general Lord Wolfson of a conflict of interest for representing Roman Abramovich while UK sanctions apply to him. Justice minister Jake Richards stated that Wolfson must choose between serving on Kemi Badenoch's shadow front bench or working for Abramovich, calling the situation a conflict.
Abramovich is involved in a legal action with the Jersey government concerning more than £5.3bn of assets held there. This case is said to delay funds from the Chelsea FC sale that were intended for Ukraine reconstruction.
Conservatives responded, stressing that Wolfson is not instructed on the Chelsea FC matter and emphasized that lawyers act for clients, not causes. They dismissed Labour's attack as pure politics. Richards asked Badenoch to confirm whether Wolfson had recused himself from party policy on Abramovich assets and questioned whether Labour aligns with the government's position that Abramovich should transfer more than £2.5bn for Ukraine.
A Conservative spokesman reiterated that Wolfson is instructed in the Jersey proceedings and is not involved in the Chelsea matter. He also called on Labour to stop mudslinging, reminding that Labour's Attorney General once represented Shamima Begum and Gerry Adams.
