White House Warns BP On Possible CEO Change

WASHINGTON (AFP)--The White House warned BP PLC (BP.LN, BP) on Monday that any decision to replace Chief Executive Tony Hayward would not change its obligation to clean up the Gulf of Mexico oil spill and compensate victims. "The CEO of BP ... if he makes the decision for him to leave -- that is one thing," White House spokesman Robert Gibbs said. "What is clear is BP cannot and should not and will not leave the Gulf without meeting its responsibility to plug the well, to clean up the damage that has been caused, and compensate those that have been damaged." Earlier, various media reported that Hayward is expected to resign soon. (END) Dow Jones Newswires July 26, 2010 13:55 ET (17:55 GMT)