As both its stock and image collapses, BP hires former Bush-Cheney and Goldman-Sachs officials to 'defend its interests' and restore its reputation

The Times understands that Mr Prodi, who twice served as Italy's prime minister, is a key member of an "international advisory board" assisting BP that also includes Josh Bolten, the former chief of staff to President George W. Bush. Both Mr Prodi and Mr Bolten are former employees of Goldman Sachs, the investment bank that advises BP. BP's former chairman Peter Sutherland also held a senior role at Goldman.

BP has embarked on an aggressive campaign to repair its public image in the wake of...