Former government energy minister, Lord Barker, has resigned as chairman of EN+, the aluminium giant founded by Russian oligarch Oleg Deripaska. The Conservative peer's resignation came as he faced pressure to cut ties with Russia. Mr Deripaska has close ties to Vladimir Putin and is now sanctioned by the UK. Lord Barker earned £3m in 2020 from EN+. Although he has resigned, he plans to restructure the business to distance the company from Russia. Mr Deripaska is one of the richest associates of Putin having billions from Russia's aluminium industries, and 45% ownership of EN+.