<p><br /> BP have denied reports the firm are planning to replace beleaguered chief executive Tony Hayward within weeks.<br /> </p><p><br /> Reports suggest that the 54-year-old would stand down by September as BP's board looks towards rebuilding the oil giant's reputation, following the US oil spill.<br /> </p><p><br /> But a spokesman said Mr Hayward had the full backing of the board as the company announced a £3.2 billion asset sale, to help fund compensation claims.<br /> </p><p><br /> Mr Hayward has been roundly criticised for a series of PR gaffes and a failure to quickly stem the three-month leak in the Gulf of Mexico. He angered senators in the US at a congressional committee after refusing to accept the accident was solely BP's responsibility.<br /> </p><p><br /> He also caused uproar after saying that he wanted his life back during a visit to Louisiana in May.<br /> </p>
