BP’s recently removed chairman, Albert Manifold, was involved in a dispute with fellow director Simon Henry earlier this year over the handling of confidential discussions linked to a potential corporate transaction, according to a Wall Street Journal report published on Friday.
The disagreement centred on how sensitive deal-related communications were managed within the board. Manifold reportedly accused Henry of exceeding his authority and limiting other directors’ involvement in key discussions.
Henry rejected the allegations, maintaining that he had acted appropriately and arguing that Manifold had misrepresented the nature of the conversations, the report said.
The revelations come days after BP removed Manifold as chairman, citing serious concerns about his governance practices, oversight and conduct.
Manifold has challenged the company’s account, saying he was dismissed without prior warning and disputing BP’s characterization of his actions.
The report also highlighted broader tensions within the company’s leadership, including disagreements between Manifold and BP Chief Executive Murray Auchincloss during the previous year.
Henry, who joined BP’s board in September, was among directors who departed as the board underwent changes during Manifold’s tenure.
The reported clashes underscore internal governance challenges at BP at a time when the energy major faces strategic and operational pressures.
BP declined to comment on the report, while Manifold, Henry and Auchincloss could not immediately be reached for comment.
The developments provide further insight into boardroom tensions that preceded one of the most significant leadership shake-ups at the company in recent years.