'Serious concerns' | BP chairman removed amid bullying claims as board takes 'decisive action'

BP has removed its chairman with immediate effect following what the company described as “serious concerns” relating to governance and conduct, prompting fresh scrutiny over leadership standards at one of the UK’s biggest employers.

The decision to axe Albert Manifold comes less than a year after he joined the company and follows allegations of bullying and “overbearing” behaviour, according to reporting by the BBC. 

The board said it had acted unanimously in removing him from both his role as chair and as a director. In a statement, BP said the move followed “serious concerns raised to the Board related to important governance standards, oversight and conduct”.

Amanda Blanc, BP’s senior independent director, said: “Albert has helped bring a welcome focus and pace to BPs transformation. However, the board has been surprised and disappointed to learn of governance oversight and conduct issues it deems unacceptable and has taken decisive action.”