Outspoken former cabinet minister Bill Bennett is back in the BC Liberal caucus after being ousted last fall over highly critical comments about then-premier Gordon Campbell.

The former energy minister has been representing constituents in his Cranbrook-area Kootenay East riding as an Independent MLA since his departure last November.

Bennett was expelled by the Liberal caucus after he publicly blasted Campbell's leadership style, describing the man as a bully who left some members suffering from symptoms he described as similar to "battered-wife syndrome."

He was in Vancouver Tuesday when the Liberals welcomed him back to the caucus after what was described as a consensus-style decision.

Premier Christy Clark said Bennett needed to get back into the Liberal tent. Noting he had apologized for his actions involving the former premier, she said the time has come for the Liberals to look to the future.

"Forgiveness is always possible and for us we want to move forward," Clark told reporters. "We want to get on with the agenda."

During the recent Liberal leadership race that elected Clark, Bennett threw his support behind Education Minister George Abbott. But he admitted knocking on Clark's door shortly after her victory, saying he felt he had a role to play in her government.

Liberal caucus chairman Ron Cantelon said Bennett addressed the caucus Tuesday. He would not elaborate on Bennett's speech, but said it involved an apology.

He said the caucus members accepted him back through a show of consensus as opposed to a show of hands.

"We came to the point where we said this will be the best thing for Bill, and there's no question Bill felt that the best way for him to serve his constituents was to be a member of the BC Liberal Party," Cantelon said.

"We all try to make a difference and for Bill it was clear that this would be a place he wanted to work for and serve his term in the legislature and the next one," he said.

Cantelon said Bennett brings a much-needed rural perspective to the caucus, and that members also appreciate his point of view.

"He was very anxious and happy to be part of the team again, and we're happy to have him there," he said.

Clark said Bennett told her he did not have plans to join the BC Conservative Party.