Full Breakdown
Colin Sutton’s Theatre Tour Sparks Controversy Over PCC Duties
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event: Planned 127-Date True-Crime Tour Prompted Cancellation Talks
He later informed North Norfolk District Council that the tour had been scrapped.
Background & Context
Sutton, a former Metropolitan Police detective who led the investigation that convicted Levi Bellfield, won the Norfolk PCC election two months ago. He is also the Reform Party’s national policing and crime adviser. Prior to his election, he had toured nationally with true-crime shows and was scheduled to resume the tour in January of the following year.
Data & Statistics
- Tour scope: 127 performances from January to November, averaging a show every 2½ days.
- Weekday load: Approximately 72 % of dates fall on weekdays; 95 of the 127 shows are on working days.
- Monthly frequency: The original schedule called for about 12 shows per month.
- Travel demands: Certain stretches would require up to 700 miles of travel in less than a week, with one February leg covering five consecutive nights across County Durham, Staffordshire, Norfolk, North Wales and Leeds.
- Ticket price: £40 per ticket, generating income beyond Sutton’s £79,000-a-year taxpayer-funded salary.
Official Statements & Responses
A Reform Party spokesperson reiterated that Sutton’s weekend and evening activities are a private matter and that the party has confidence in his ability to fulfil his PCC duties.
Criticism & Opposition
Conservative Norfolk County councillor Kay Mason-Billig said Sutton “misled the public” by not disclosing the tour before the election and questioned whether a PCC could realistically travel “hundreds of miles” while meeting his statutory responsibilities. Former council leader David Bick defended Sutton, stating that the commissioner had discussed the schedule with his office and that “you can” manage the travel with proper logistics.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Colin Sutton asked Norfolk to elect him to a role to be accountable for our police force, but can’t even be accountable for his own poor choices,” — Steff Aquarone
- “He’s not a hard-worker, he’s a responsibility shirker and a part-time PCC.” — Rupert Lowe
- “Absolutely. I'm in talks with the people who promote it to see how we can curtail it or, if necessary, just cut it completely.” — Colin Sutton
What's Next
Sutton is scheduled to appear before the Norfolk Police and Crime Panel on February 2, the same day he was due to perform in Leeds. The panel will meet again on April 29, when Sutton is slated to be performing in Farsley, Yorkshire. Both dates raise questions about his ability to attend the meetings while maintaining the tour itinerary. Further statements from Sutton’s office are expected after these engagements.