Peter,
I'm seeing some stuff that's pointing to some confusion about this.
I know yesterday it was said he'd been called home. Tonight (over on MSNBC), I'm reading where that may not be the case:
(snip)
My own personal opinion is if he HAS been called home, there needed to be a really clear announcement of that. And even if he had, it might have been wise to keep a low profile for a couple of weeks while his replacement transitioned in.
I don't know. Definately agree that there is confusion about why he went back to the UK. There are plenty of good reasons for him to have done so, but also plenty of bad ones.
I'd be surprised if Hayward had much direct control over the BP effort, especially any more control than he could excercise in the UK. I'd expect Dudley to already be up to speed before Hayward left. About the only thing Hayward could do that Dudley can't is talk to Congress and Obama. (Actually he might be able to talk better to Congress, but it would look bad if a number 2 person spoke while the #1 guy fled).
Looks like BP is in for another spate of bungled PR on top of the spill effort.