Ousted BP chair says he was removed ‘without warning and without explanation’

Business & Finance
27 May 2026 • 7:11 PM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

Ousted BP chair says he was removed ‘without warning and without explanation’

  • Albert Manifold was removed as BP chairman with immediate effect by the board, citing "serious concerns" regarding his conduct, oversight, and governance at the oil giant.
  • Mr Manifold disputes these allegations, saying he was removed "without warning and without explanation" and will challenge what he calls a "false narrative" about his actions.
  • The London-listed firm's board made a unanimous decision, but has not disclosed specific details about the nature of the conduct and governance issues that led to his dismissal.
  • Ian Tyler has been appointed as interim chairman while a search for a permanent replacement is underway, following Mr Manifold's tenure, which began last October.
  • Manifold's removal comes after almost a fifth of BP shareholder votes were cast against his election a month prior, with shareholder advisory group Glass Lewis raising governance concerns and climate activists criticising the handling of a resolution.

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