NOT many folk confuse County Hall with showbiz, but a by-election this August is set to sprinkle some stardust around the corridors.

Councillor Maurice Broomfield's sad passing has sparked a snap election in Ombersley, and the big man himself (RIP) would surely chuckle at the odds-on favourite to take his seat.

Former TV broadcaster Peter Tomlinson, who came to fame in the 1970s and 80s with children's television show Tiswas, is the Tory candidate for this sudden summer battle.

The ex-Blockbusters voiceover, now an after-dinner speaker and self-styled motivator, describes himself as a "petrol head", "jazz drummer" and an announcer of "charisma, humour and authority" if anyone wants to make a booking.

The ego has landed!

* WORCESTER MP Robin Walker has soaked up plenty of congratulations in the Commons at his new elevation to Government - but there's some right jokers about.

Taking his first debate since becoming a Brexit minister in the Commons, one Labour MP said: "I don't know whether his appointment was hereditary or not, but I congratulate him."

* THE PM's astonishing reshuffle dealt one heck of a hand to this county, with four of our six MPs now serving Her Majesty on the frontbench.

Is it time to go the full hog and move Whitehall to Worcestershire?

Let's be done with it and stick 'em in The Hive.

* ANOTHER quirk from last week's astonishing reshuffle is that Harriett Baldwin, a defence minister, is now doing the same job which used to belong to Sir Peter Luff, the former Mid-Worcestershire parliamentarian who gleefully retired last year.

What are the chances of that?

But West Worcestershire's top politician may want to heed the dire warnings on what awaits in this particularly messy Government job.

Luffy gave up the role looking after defence equipment in September 2012, more than two-and-a-half years before leaving the Commons, due in part to the regular 70 to 80 hour weeks.

* WORCESTERSHIRE County Council has launched its new £12 million highways project, known as 'Driving Home', but where did the title come from?

Word at County Hall is that corporate director John Hobbs drew inspiration from that classic Chris Rea song.

* WEST Midlands MEP Bill Etheridge is vying to become UKIP's new leader, but if it goes sour there's another certain project that might grab your attention.

The outspoken politician, who yesterday suggested the death penalty should be reintroduced, tells us he's thinking of writing a book.

The possible title? 'All aboard the Loony bus', inspired by a witty headline which adorned this Source column last month.

JK Rowling eat your heart out. Do we get a cut of the cash?