Lord David Wolfson KC, part of Abramovich’s legal team in a dispute with the Jersey government over frozen assets exceeding £5.3 billion, is alleged by Starmer to have a conflict of interest while advising the Conservatives on sanctions policy. Starmer asked how Badenoch could support sanctions while Wolfson represented a man whose assets are intended to help Ukraine.
Badenoch defended Wolfson on social media, accusing the prime minister of smearing him and highlighting that he had recused himself from advising the government on Ukraine or Russian sanctions. Wolfson also clarified he was not in the shadow cabinet and was not involved in any UK sanctions cases or Chelsea FC proceeds.
The legal dispute has delayed the transfer of funds from the Chelsea sale to charitable causes in Ukraine, with around £1.4 billion still tied up in Jersey court proceedings. Opposition ministers argue that Wolfson’s role creates an unavoidable conflict of interest, which the Conservatives acknowledge by his recusal.
