Trending Now - Former BP Chairman Defends Himself Amid Cost-cutting Controversy

WHO:

CNN - Albert Manifold, ousted chairman of BP

BBC - BP spokesperson

WHAT:

CNN - Manifold described his removal as a "surprise ouster" amid ongoing leadership instability at BP, which has had three CEOs since 2019.

CNN - Manifold stated, “I dispute entirely this characterisation of my conduct,” in response to allegations against him.

CNN - BP's spokesperson emphasized the company's "duty of care to all our employees, particularly those impacted by his behavior."

CNN - BP dismissed Manifold, citing “serious concerns” about “governance standards, oversight and conduct,” described as “unacceptable.”

CNN - Manifold was removed from his position after less than a year.

CNN - BP's shares have fallen by around 6.5% this week.

CNN - Manifold stated he made his own coffee, bought his lunch in a local café, and eschewed a chauffeur in favor of public transport.

WHERE:

CNN - London, where Manifold mentioned he used public transport.

WHEN:

CNN - Manifold was ousted on a Tuesday, specific date not provided.

WHY:

CNN - Media reports alleged that there were whistleblower complaints about bullying related to Manifold's conduct.

CNN - Manifold suggested that his focus on cost-cutting may have made him unpopular at BP.

CNN - Manifold aimed to defend shareholders’ interests and called out “unnecessary or excessive expenditure.”

HOW:

CNN - Manifold acknowledged that he might have “pushed hard and challenged people directly” during his tenure.

CNN - Manifold claimed to have streamlined the board to make it more efficient and challenged people directly to drive change on costs and performance.

(UPDATED May 28, 2026 21:36 UTC)

In a surprising turn of events, BP's leadership has faced instability with the removal of Manifold, who described his ouster as unexpected and disputed the allegations against him. Media reports have surfaced claiming there were whistleblower complaints regarding bullying linked to Manifold's conduct, which he acknowledged may have involved pushing hard and challenging people directly. A spokesperson for BP emphasized the company's responsibility to care for all employees, especially those affected by his behavior.

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(UPDATED May 28, 2026 14:15 UTC)

BP has dismissed chairman Albert Manifold after less than a year in the role, citing "serious concerns" about governance standards and conduct that they deemed "unacceptable." In a statement, Manifold mentioned his focus on cost-cutting may have made him unpopular, as he aimed to defend shareholders' interests while streamlining the board for greater efficiency. Following his ousting, BP's shares have dropped by around 6.5% this week, reflecting the turmoil within the company.