When Ben Higgins stood down from his cabinet role at the council and became an independent, he failed to respond to requests for comment on his departure.

Now, questioned on whether he would provide clarity for the people who elected him and explain his decision, Mr Higgins has continued to refuse to comment.

He said: “It’s not something I’m willing to comment publicly on at the moment, I’m afraid.”

Mr Higgins added: “The only point I’ve really got to make is that, during my brief period as an independent, I was still actively working for my residents.

“I challenge anyone to have gone to more annual parish meetings than I did over the course of May and early June, and I’m delighted to be back in the group.”

His return was heralded by council leader Tim Bearder as “providing stability so that we can get on with the job”.

The situation was raised in full council on Tuesday, June 30, as it meant recently appointed scrutiny committees had to change again to ensure political balance.

Green Group leader Ian Middleton said: “This is the second time in as many months that we’ve had to re‑jig the council as a result of an internal issue within the Liberal Democrat group.

“Last time, we were unceremoniously banged back into this chamber on a change of leadership, for reasons that have not really been fully explained by the Lib Dems to date.

“As a result of the latest change in the leadership of the Lib Dem group, members of my group, who put a lot of effort into the new committees that we’ve been appointed to are now seeing all that work wasted.

“That’s frustrating.”

Mr Higgins’ departure was followed by that of Nick Cotter who became an independent after being “suspended” by the national party – he has not since rejoined.

There were also changes to the administration, including the replacement of the leader and transport boss.

Mr Middleton suggested the Lib Dems rebrand due to their “somewhat fluid membership” to avoid “any further hokey‑cokey in‑out, in‑out situations”.

(Image: Cherwell District Council)

Responding, deputy leader and resources boss Neil Fawcett (Lib Dem) said: “We are still struggling a little bit with having 35 of the 69 council seats in this chamber, which increases the chances, on average, that we may have movement in and out of our group.”

He thanked the councillors who had been affected by the changes, adding “I do appreciate that it must be very frustrating”.

The celebrity chef trained under Raymond Blanc at the two Michelin-starred Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons in Great Milton in the 1980s.

Now, a Marco Pierre White restaurant in Birmingham has closed, with the skyline venue operating from within The Cube Hotel complex in the city centre.

The site was the Marco Pierre White Steakhouse Bar & Grill, based on the 25th floor of The Cube and trading as part of the four-star hotel overlooking Birmingham’s canals and the Mailbox district.

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A notice addressed to customers and placed outside the building announced that the Cube Hotel and the steakhouse had “ceased trading and are now closed” with immediate effect, apologising for “any inconvenience and disappointment this may cause”.

The restaurant, known for panoramic views over the city and a menu of steaks and classic British dishes, had been a fixture at The Cube for around 15 years.

It operated as a franchised Marco Pierre White site within the 52-room boutique hotel, with the restaurant and bedrooms marketed together as a destination for special occasions and city breaks.

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Insolvency specialists have been appointed to oversee the affairs of the company behind The Cube Hotel following financial difficulties, with the combined hotel and restaurant space now being advertised for sale as a “prime” city centre hospitality opportunity.

The closure has left diners with gift vouchers and bookings seeking clarity, with customers being advised that some vouchers may still be redeemable at other Marco Pierre White-branded restaurants.

Queries about the Birmingham shutdown should be directed to the operator’s voucher helpdesk or the dedicated Cube Hotel closure email address.