Shares in BP (LON: BP) fell sharply after the energy giant announced its board had removed chairman Albert Manifold in a shock move.

BP said on Tuesday its board unanimously voted to remove chairman and director Albert Manifold after “serious concerns” were raised with the board about his conduct. Amanda Blanc, senior independent director at BP,

The board of British energy major BP on Tuesday announced it had unanimously decided to remove Chairman Albert Manifold with immediate effect.

BP has ousted its chairman over what it called serious concerns related to “important governance standards, oversight and conduct.”

British oil giant BP announced the departure of chairman Albert Manifold just months after his appointment on 'serious' governance and conduct concerns.

The board decided he should no longer serve as chair after learning of governance oversight and conduct issues that it deemed unacceptable.

BP has ​removed Chair Albert Manifold with immediate effect, ‌it said on Tuesday, citing governance oversight and conduct issues, only months after his appointment to help ​oversee a strategy revamp.

According to BP's senior independent director, "the board has been surprised and disappointed to learn of governance oversight and conduct issues it deems unacceptable and has taken decisive action."