Police and Crime Commissioner Colin Sutton Cancels Speaking Tour

Norfolk Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) Colin Sutton has canceled a planned 127-date speaking tour, acknowledging the endeavor was "ridiculous" and could not be accommodated within his official duties. Sutton, who earns £79,000 annually in his taxpayer-funded role, had initially insisted the tour, titled 'The Makings of a Murderer – Double Jeopardy,' could be completed in his "spare time." However, the plan drew widespread criticism, particularly as three-quarters of the scheduled shows across England, Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland, and the Channel Islands were slated for weekdays.

Sutton, a Reform UK politician and former Metropolitan Police detective chief inspector known for his work on cases involving serial killer Levi Bellfield and rapist Delroy Grant, faced accusations of prioritizing a "side-hustle" over his responsibilities. Political opponents and members of the public raised concerns that the tour's demanding schedule conflicted with his commitment as PCC.

He defended his initial proposal, suggesting critics were unaware of his "work ethic" and "capacity." However, after five days of public and media scrutiny, Sutton announced a reversal, stating his intention to concentrate fully on his role as PCC for Norfolk. He conceded that "As I got more into the role and realized what was involved in the role, I should have realized that actually I can’t do it [the tour]." He also admitted that he should have been more honest with himself about the time demands of the PCC position.

The tour's tight scheduling, which included travel back to Norfolk for PCC panel meetings between speaking engagements in different parts of the UK, was a key point of contention. For example, one itinerary showed a February 1 event in Llandudno, Wales, followed by a return to Norfolk for a meeting the next day, and then a performance in Leeds that same evening. Another instance involved a panel meeting on April 29, sandwiched between performances in Farsley, Yorkshire, the evening before and Stevenage, Hertfordshire, that same night.

Critics, including Shadow Policing and Crime Minister Matt Vickers and Conservative MPs Jerome Mayhew and Matthew Taylor, voiced their disapproval. South Norfolk Labour MP Ben Goldsborough commented that the cancellation was positive but highlighted that it took significant public backlash to prompt the decision.

Sutton also cited his position as a Reform UK politician and PCC as placing him "in the crosshairs of certain media organisations" and suggested that social media reactions were driven by political point-scoring. He explained that he did not disclose the tour plans prior to his election because there was "always a chance you’re not going to get elected."

Show promoter Entertainers confirmed that the tour would proceed with a different "true crime professional" at its center. The promoter stated that Sutton had underestimated the demands of the tour in conjunction with his other commitments, but also acknowledged his deep commitment to serving the people of Norfolk.