Ousted BP chairman hits back at 'lies' about his behaviour

Here is the latest breaking news from around the world: Ousted BP chairman hits back at 'lies' about his behaviour22 minutes ago Share Save Add as preferred on GoogleLizzie AsanteBusiness reporterBloomberg via Getty ImagesAlbert Manifold, pictured in 2014Albert Manifold says he does not accept the "lies" surrounding his behaviour after he was removed as chairman of BP earlier this week. Manifold, who was chairman for less than a year, said no-one should be "allowed to hide behind anonymity" when commenting on his time at the energy giant. Manifold issued a statement in response to reports about his conduct after BP's board removed him with immediate effect on Tuesday.

The company said in a statement that his dismissal was a result of "serious concerns" related to "important governance standards, oversight and conduct". "I fully accept that the members of the Board have made their decision that I am no longer to be Chairman and a Director of BP," Manifold said. Manifold said that during his time as chairman, issues regarding his conduct or relationship with colleagues were never raised.

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"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," he said. Manifold shared in his statement that his priorities as the company's chairman, particularly shareholder interests, "were not always shared by everyone".

"Where I saw unnecessary or excessive expenditure, I called it out. "Mr Manifold added: " I had no interest in taking private aviation nor in availing myself of corporate tickets for sports events. I made my own coffee, bought my lunch in the local cafe.

The story has become one of the most prominent items on the global agenda.