Norfolk’s police and crime commissioner, Colin Sutton, has halted a planned nationwide theatre tour that would have taken him to 130 venues across the United Kingdom in 2027, following a wave of public criticism. The decision came after the former Metropolitan Police detective, who commands an annual salary of £79,052, faced scrutiny over the suitability of a stage production titled “The Makings Of A Murderer – Double Jeopardy”.
Cancellation of the Tour
Sutton announced that the tour is no longer part of his programme, confirming the cancellation during a North Norfolk District Council scrutiny committee meeting on Wednesday.
The schedule, posted online by event promoters, listed 130 appearances spread over an eleven‑month period in 2027, a prospect that many observers described as “ridiculous”. While initially defending the venture with the remark “Am I not entitled to spend my spare time as I wish?”, Sutton later indicated that he would be “incommunicado” for only two hours during each performance and stressed that the shows would not interfere with his duties as PCC.
In his statement to councillors, Sutton said the personal reactions he received from residents prompted him to reconsider, adding that he could not feasibly undertake 127 dates and did not wish to give the impression that he did not take his role seriously.
Public and Political Reaction
Labour MP Ben Goldsborough, representing South Norfolk, was among the most vocal critics, telling the BBC that “you can’t police a county from the back of a tour bus”. His comment underscored broader concerns that the PCC’s extracurricular activities might undermine public confidence in the office.
During the council meeting, Sutton reflected on the personal feedback he had received, noting that the volume of public comment made it clear that the tour risked damaging the credibility of his position. He emphasised that, although he was not legally bound to undertake the engagements, he chose to step down to preserve the integrity of his role.
Sutton’s Defence and Career Background
Sutton maintained that his personal leisure time was his own affair, arguing that the police service does not operate as a “blue light” that restricts an individual’s movements. “It’s a bit odd to suggest I can never leave Norfolk because I happen to be the PCC,” he told the committee.
Before entering politics, Sutton enjoyed a three‑decade career with the Metropolitan Police, culminating in his role in the investigation that secured the conviction of serial killer Levi Bellfield. His experience, he suggested, gave him the credibility to pursue interests outside of official duties without compromising his responsibilities.
Why It Matters
The cancellation highlights the growing tension between the public expectations of elected police officials and the personal liberties they claim to enjoy. With the government set to abolish the police and crime commissioner role in 2028 to achieve savings of at least £100 million, Sutton’s decision may foreshadow broader debates about the scope and accountability of the position. As the scrutiny of public‑funded roles intensifies, the episode serves as a reminder that even well‑intentioned extracurricular pursuits can attract significant political and societal backlash, potentially influencing reforms that affect the future of policing in England and Wales.
