Former BP boss hits back at oil giant after his ousting saying he does not 'accept the lies' over his conduct

The former chairman of BP has come out swinging against his ousting, saying no one has ever made the kinds of bullying accusations levelled against him in recent days.

Albert Manifold left the oil and gas giant on Tuesday with "immediate effect" after "serious concerns" were raised, the company said.

Following the announcement from BP's board, which oversees management of the business, reports emerged of Mr Manifold's temper.

Amanda Blanc, BP senior independent director, said it had been "surprised and disappointed to learn of governance, oversight and conduct issues".

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This characterisation was categorically rejected by the businessman in a lengthy statement on Thursday morning, which is highly unusual at such levels.

"What I do not accept is that lies can be told about me, nor that anyone should be allowed to hide behind anonymity when commenting on my time at BP," a statement read.

He did say, however, it is possible he "pushed hard and challenged people directly".

But issues were not raised with him by BP, he added.

"Indeed, in my 40-year working career, I have never once had accusations made against me such as those made in recent days. I dispute entirely this characterisation of my conduct," Mr Manifold said.

Before taking up the role with BP, the Irishman had been chief executive of building materials company CRH for 11 years.

When he arrived at BP in October, Mr Manifold said he "found a company that, in my view, lacked strategic cohesion and direction".

"I also believe it lacked clarity on messaging, urgency of delivery".

Despite his criticisms of the company, Mr Manifold described the leadership as "among the finest people I have worked with".

"An honest, hard-working executive team brimming with integrity," was how he described the CEO, chief financial officer and senior management.

Mr Manifold appeared to suggest he did not have time to effect the change he sought at the company.

"I have been to BP's head office in London on approximately 13 days in 2026. I am a part-time non-executive with many other commitments," he said.

"I know well the time commitment and effort it takes to be a senior executive in a public company, and one certainly cannot fulfil those executive duties by being in the office for 13 days in a five-month period".

The drama has seen BP's share price fall roughly 0.2% on Thursday morning after two days of falls.

Sky News's Mark Kleinman reported that Mr Manifold retained lawyers at Mishcon de Reya, the feared City firm, to act for him amid signs that his departure could descend into a messy public legal battle.

In response to Mr Manifold's statement, BP said: "We note the comments of our former chair. We stand by the statement we have made."

"We have a duty of care to all our employees, particularly those impacted by his behaviour."

(c) Sky News 2026: Former BP boss hits back at oil giant after his ousting saying he does not 'accept