Oxfordshire future economy boss quits role and Lib Dems

Councillor Ben Higgins, who was elected in 2025 as a Lib Dem at both Oxfordshire County Council and South Oxfordshire District Council, has now become a non-grouped independent.

He had campaigned for both seats on the pledge that he would be part of a “united team” of Lib Dems.

Mr Higgins, who was also made cabinet member for future economy and innovation in May 2025, has left that position after less than a year in post and is set to be replaced.

Mr Higgins’ move reduces the Lib Dem majority on the county council from 36 seats to 35 of a possible 69, and he is the only non-grouped independent at the authority.

A spokesperson for Oxfordshire County Council stated: “We can confirm that Cllr Ben Higgins has stepped down from his cabinet role and from the Liberal Democrat Group.

“He is now sitting as an Independent (non‑grouped) councillor.

“Further arrangements relating to cabinet responsibilities will be confirmed by the leader in due course, in line with the usual processes.”

This comes as the leader of the council is set to make a number of decisions on the future of innovation in the county.

On Monday, May 11, Councillor Liz Leffman is set to make choices on giving “authority to trade” to Innovate Oxfordshire as well as on a Space-Clipper subcontract “innovation project”.

Mr Higgins has not confirmed his reasons for leaving the party group or his cabinet role.

In his “focus on parish councils – monthly update” newsletter for May 2026, the councillor did not mention his step down from the cabinet role or move to become an independent councillor.

When Mr Higgins was campaigning for his council seats, he shared videos on the Oxfordshire Lib Dems Facebook.

In campaign footage, he said: “I think that what is really important for people to know is that by electing me, they’re voting for a united team.”

He added that he would be working together with Lib Dem MP Freddie van Mierlo to “protect what’s precious and help make our area an even better place to live”.

Mr Higgins took Mr van Mierlo’s seat at the South Oxfordshire District Council by-election for Watlington in May 2025 after the new MP gave up his councillor roles.

He had won that seat with a 94-vote majority over the Conservatives.

He took his county council seat with a 77-vote majority over the same party.

Mr Higgins was contacted for comment.