BP CEO Tony Hayward is on his way out, according to a government official who told FOX News there will be “management changes” at the oil company.

Hayward has been under fire from politicians and Gulf Coast residents since the early days of the oil spill, for underestimating the impact of the disaster and declaring during a May interview, “I’d like my life back.” He further angered Gulf residents by taking a break from the oil spill response to attend yacht races.

On hearing news of Hayward’s possible departure, Rep. Edward Markey (D-Mass), a frequent critic of BP’s handling of the oil spill, issued this statement:

“While it’s now happy sailing for Tony Hayward, rough conditions will persist in the Gulf of Mexico for years to come because of his failed leadership. The new leaders of BP will have an uphill climb to correct the legacy left by Hayward, indelibly inked by the disaster in the Gulf.”

The Wall Street Journal reports that Hayward’s likely successor is BP Managing Director Robert Dudley. Dudley, an American, was raised in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, which might help the oil company diffuse some of the criticism of being out of touch with the oil spill’s effect on the people of the Gulf region.

Early this morning, BP issued the following statement:

“BP notes the press speculation over the weekend regarding potential changes to management and the charge for the costs of the Gulf of Mexico oil spill. BP confirms that no final decision has been made on these matters. A Board meeting is being held on Monday evening ahead of the announcement of the second quarter results on 27th July. Any decisions will be announced as appropriate.”