Liberal Democrat Phil Cockayne has denied that he was one of four councillors who lit up in protest inside Oxford Town Hall's council chamber.
Four councillors were accused of breaking the rules by smoking at last Tuesday's council meeting.
The rebels were believed to be opposing the closure of a smoking room in the town hall for members.
He said: "During the lengthy meeting, I did have one cigarette outside but I didn't light up inside the council chamber.
"I smoke five to ten cigarettes a day. I'm a social smoker - I'm not addicted. I hardly smoke inside the town hall but I think we should have a room where we can smoke."
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