Ready for another bruising by-election battle?

You couldn’t say that Nigel Farage was exactly brimming with his usual enthusiasm when asked if he might stand in a by-election re-run of the South Thanet constituency.

His response? “Probably….a small probably.” You can understand his caution. The contest in 2015 was a bruising affair and there is every reason to expect an equally attritional battle should there be another. The merger of four district councils in east Kent is progressing cautiously as the gang of four take the tentative steps towards formalising the “super council” option.

KCC might just be a little irked that the timetable for consultation overlaps with the official election campaign period for the county council election.

Why? Well, we will be in a period of purdah when KCC will not be able to say or do anything that might be construed as party political - such as disagreeing with the idea.

Still, it only applies to the council rather than councillors so we might anticipate some jousting on the issue.

Quote of the week: “I am not going to knock a council that has taken just one. Hopefully that’s the start of something bigger.” Home Secretary Amber Rudd tries to strike a note of optimism on a visit to Ashford to meet Syrian refugees resettled in the UK under the government’s relocation scheme. That was a reference to Sevenoaks council, which has taken in one family.

Mind you, Sevenoaks is not the least enthusiastic. That goes to Medway council that has taken none.

Among the Conservative candidates in the county council election is Kerry Boyd, who is contesting a division in Margate.

Kerry was the second youth crime commissioner appointed to the role by Ann Barnes - the first crime commissioner.

Folkestone and Hythe MP Damian Collins has an increasing high profile as chairman of the all-party Culture, Media and Sport select committee.

With it has come the inevitable invitations to key events - the latest Register of Interests records that he accepted two tickets with hospitality to the Baftas, valued at about £1,840 - the tickets coming courtesy of Channel 4.

He also records a ticket to watch Chelsea play Manchester United - along with hospitality - valued at £714. Follow Paul on Twitter @ PaulOnPolitics SATURDAY: Five-mile circular walk, starting from The Woolpack Pub car park in Smeeth/ Brabourne Lees at 10am. New walkers welcome: Ashford Ramblers. SUNDAY: 10-mile circular walk, starting from School Lane in Peasmarsh at 10am and going to Rye, with stop there for lunch. Dogs on a short lead welcome: Ashford Ramblers. SUNDAY: Three miles – starting at 10.30am from Pegwell Bay Country Park: Dover & Thanet Rights of Way Society.

Four miles – starts at 1.30pm from the National Trust Visitor Centre, Langdon Cliffs, Dover: White Cliffs Ramblers.

9-10 miles – starts at 10am from Elham Square, pub stop in Densole: East Kent Rambling Club.

10.5 miles – starts 10am from the village car park, Wye, lunch at Hastingleigh: White Cliffs Ramblers. WEDNESDAY: Five miles – starting at 10.30am from The Prince of Wales, Hoath: East Kent Rambling Club.

10-11 miles – starts 10am from Wye Downs car park, lunch in Wye: East Kent Rambling Club.