Overview
- Conservative sources confirm Lord David Wolfson is instructed in ongoing Jersey proceedings for Roman Abramovich and is not working on the Chelsea FC matter.
- Labour’s Jake Richards and party chair Anna Turley say the role presents a conflict of interest and ask whether Wolfson has recused himself or should leave the shadow cabinet.
- Jersey authorities are investigating more than £5.3bn in Abramovich‑linked assets, and ministers say the litigation is delaying release of about £2.5bn from the Chelsea sale for Ukraine.
- Prime minister Keir Starmer issued a 90‑day ultimatum this month for the Chelsea proceeds to be transferred for Ukrainian humanitarian causes or face court action.
- The Conservatives defend Wolfson by citing the bar’s cab‑rank rule, while Abramovich’s representatives say funds cannot be released until the Jersey case concludes and the Ukraine Solidarity Campaign urges emergency legislation to curb delays.