In a change for my regular readers, I aim to focus this column on the year ahead in Swale, rather than my usual attack on centralising Whitehall forces. 2015 will be a major year for our borough. Alongside the Parliamentary elections, we have our own all-out elections, as well elections in 36 parish and town councils – where they are contested.

These will be a major logistical exercise, but of more interest will be the outcomes, both nationally and locally. As a Kent coastal district, UKIP will be a major factor, and the make up of our 47 councillors come 8 May, will be difficult to predict.