The Liberal Democrats have regained its majority on Oxfordshire County Council.
Ben Higgins, county councillor for Watlington and Rotherfield, has rejoined the political group having "stepped down" in May.
He had been the cabinet member for future economy and innovation, but left the role in unknown circumstances.
Following his reconnection with the group, the Liberal Democrats now have 35 councillors on the 69 member authority. Labour have 12, Conservatives 10, Greens seven and five others.
"I am delighted that we will be in a stronger position to deliver on our policies for the people of Oxfordshire," said county council leader Tim Bearder.
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"With Ben's support, we will continue to deliver record levels of investment in our local communities, to fix the mess we inherited from the Conservatives and to campaign against the Labour Government's plan to slash £24m from the county council budget.
"At a time when we seem to have perpetual chaos at Westminster, this will provide stability so that we can get on with the job."
Laura Gordon, county councillor for Kidlington North and Otmoor, has since taken on the role of cabinet member for environment and economy - which focuses on both portfolios previously held by Mr Higgins.
Mr Higgins has lived in Kingwood Common since 2019, and in Oxfordshire most of the last 25 years.
He is a successful businessman, having founded and grown an energy efficiency business based in the county.
He has a daughter and two dogs that he enjoys walking around the lovely local villages and footpaths.
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