26th Jul 2026 10:10
(Alliance News) - BP PLC's former Chair Albert Manifold was seeking the removal of the company's Senior Independent Director Amanda Blanc, before he was booted, the Telegraph reported on Saturday.
The London-based oil major ousted Manifold in May, citing concerns around his conduct. Media reports included accusations of bullying and aggression on Manifold's part.
Manifold, who had joined BP last October, has hit back against these claims, saying he "entirely" disputes the characterisation of his conduct.
"Is it possible that in my determination to drive change on costs, performance, the balance sheet and shareholder communications, I pushed hard and challenged people directly? Yes, it is.
"But there is a considerable distance between driving an organisation with urgency and the characterisation of my conduct that is now being put about," the ex-chair argued in May.
Almost a fifth of BP shareholder votes were cast against Manifold's election, a month before he was removed, and shareholder advisory group Glass Lewis recommended investors vote against him.
Amanda Blanc in May had commented: "Albert has helped bring a welcome focus and pace to BP's 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."
On Saturday, a report from the Telegraph indicated that Manifold had been working out plans to remove Blanc, and to introduce six-year term limits for directors of BP.
Blanc has also come under scrutiny in her role as chief executive of insurer Aviva PLC, due to the time-consuming nature of her position at BP.
Two "leading" fund management firms with stakes in Aviva last month told the Times they planned to ask Blanc about the time she is devoting to BP when they next speak to her.
"There's a cautionary tale in here isn't there about taking non-exec positions," a representative from one of the firms said. "It's all fine when it's a few interesting meetings a year until it's not" and then "suddenly you're being asked to do a lot more".
The fund manager added: "I suspect this is probably more than Amanda had bargained for" and that "part of the issue here is that [Manifold is] not going quietly".
BP's board appointed Ian Tyler as interim chairman and has launched a search for a permanent replacement. Earlier this month, Sky News reported that Tyler may put himself forward for the permanent chair role.
Shares in BP closed 1.4% lower at 548.40 pence on Friday in London. Aviva closed 1.1% higher at 691.00p a share.
By Holly Munks, Alliance News reporter
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