BP removes chairman Albert Manifold over governance and conduct concerns as dispute erupts

BP’s abrupt removal of chairman Albert Manifold has deepened concerns about stability at the British oil major, with the company citing “serious concerns” over governance, oversight and conduct while Manifold has strongly denied wrongdoing. According to reports from Asharq Al-Awsat and video coverage based on people familiar with the matter, the dispute has turned into an unusually public clash over who is telling the truth inside one of the world’s largest energy companies.

The controversy erupted after BP said Manifold was being removed only months into the job, a move that immediately raised questions about internal controls and boardroom discipline. As reported by Sky News analyst Mark Kleinman, company insiders described complaints about an “aggressive” management style and a hands-on approach that some colleagues viewed as overbearing, while BP’s own statement referred more broadly to concerns about governance standards and conduct.

Manifold has pushed back hard against those claims. In a statement reported by Asharq Al-Awsat, he rejected what he called “lies” about his behavior and denied accusations of hostile conduct, saying he would not let a false narrative stand. The Dailymotion transcript similarly quotes him as saying he “dispute[s] entirely the characterization” of his conduct and that he had been removed “without warning or explanation.”

The episode matters because BP is already under pressure to strengthen performance and reassure investors after a series of strategic challenges. A chairperson’s sudden dismissal is unusual in a company of BP’s size, and it suggests a serious breakdown in confidence at the top, not just a routine management change. As the video report noted, the abrupt move also triggered concern in the market, with shares initially falling after the announcement.

The leadership upheaval also shines a light on BP’s wider struggle for corporate stability. The company has been trying to manage a major turnaround, and fresh turmoil in the boardroom risks distracting management from operational decisions, capital allocation and investor relations. The reports also point to allegations that some insiders had complained about how sensitive information was handled and whether normal board processes were being bypassed, although those claims have not been independently verified in the material provided.

What happens next will depend on whether BP can contain the fallout and explain its decision more fully. For now, the company faces the twin challenge of defending its governance standards while navigating a public row with a former chair who says he was unfairly removed and is challenging the official account.