Albert Manifold, BP’s recently removed chair, has launched a fierce defence of his conduct following his abrupt dismissal by the energy giant’s board.
The London-listed supermajor fired Manifold on Tuesday after he had served just eight months in the role, citing “serious concerns” about his behaviour.
Manifold pushed back strongly, insisting he drove “genuine change at BP – cutting costs, challenging excess and holding the organisation to higher standards.”
He argued that his contributions had been recognised even by those who removed him, pointing to the board’s own public statement as evidence.
“The board’s statement this morning acknowledged the focus and pace I brought,” Manifold said, standing by his record at the company.
“I dispute entirely the characterisation of my conduct and I will not allow a false narrative to go unchallenged,” he added in his rebuttal.
Dame Amanda Blanc confirmed the board had uncovered multiple instances of serious misconduct during Manifold’s time as chair.
“However, the board has been surprised and disappointed to learn of governance oversight and conduct issues it deems unacceptable and has taken decisive action,” Blanc said.
The extraordinary public dispute between Manifold and the BP board threatens to plunge the company into a full-blown governance crisis.
The confrontation between a dismissed chair and a sitting board is a deeply unusual development for one of Britain’s largest listed energy companies.