LONDON (Dow Jones)-BP PLC (BP.LN) said Sunday that Chief Executive Tony Hayward has the confidence of the board and senior management, following reports in the U.K. press that he could be leaving within days. Various U.K. newspapers have reported that the board has spent the weekend finalizing plans for Hayward's departure and his potential severance package. A BP spokesman said: "We can't comment on newspaper speculation." "Tony Hayward is the chief executive and has the confidence of the board and senior management," the spokesman added. -By Selina Williams, Dow Jones Newswires; +44 207 842 9262; selina.williams@dowjones.com (END) Dow Jones Newswires July 25, 2010 07:00 ET (11:00 GMT)