Full Breakdown
Former Detective Colin Sutton Becomes Norfolk’s First Reform UK Police and Crime Commissioner
7/18/2026, 12:17:42 AM
Election Outcome
Colin Sutton, a retired detective known for leading the Levi Bellfield murder investigation, was elected Norfolk Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) on 23 May 2024. He secured 32,647 votes, a majority of 14,299 over Conservative candidate Matthew Taylor. Voter turnout was 17 percent. The by-election followed the resignation of former Labour PCC Sarah Taylor, who left the party after the role was slated for abolition.
Background and Upcoming Changes
Sarah Taylor’s departure triggered the by-election. She had originally been elected as a Labour commissioner before becoming an independent in protest at plans to scrap the PCC post. The government intends to dissolve PCC offices in Norfolk and Suffolk, transferring responsibilities to a new combined mayoralty as part of a broader devolution scheme. If no further resignations occur, Sutton’s victory is expected to be the final PCC election in the region.
Official Statements
Sutton pledged to honor the electorate’s confidence, emphasizing a swift start to his term and a shift in policing priorities toward rural areas, which he argued have been “too focused on our city and towns.” He framed the role as a continuation of his lifelong commitment to policing and indicated that his agenda would address perceived imbalances in resource allocation.
Data & Statistics
Verbatim Quotes
- “repay the trust the people of Norfolk have put in him” — Colin Sutton
- “get to work on Monday” — Colin Sutton
- “I'm overjoyed. Policing has been my life and it is the best job. I believe I can make a difference and make things better,” — Colin Sutton
- “too focused on our city and towns” — Colin Sutton
