Colin Sutton, the Reform UK Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) for Norfolk, is facing criticism for planning a 127-date nationwide speaking tour throughout 2027, which opponents argue is incompatible with his full-time responsibilities.
Sutton, who earns £79,000 annually, was elected to the post in July following a by-election. The tour, titled ‘The Makings of a Murderer – Double Jeopardy,’ centers on his previous career as a Metropolitan Police detective chief inspector, known for his involvement in high-profile cases such as the arrests of serial killer Levi Bellfield and the ‘Nightstalker’ rapist Delroy Grant.
The tour is scheduled to visit numerous locations across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, including dates in Bournemouth, Whitley Bay, Weston-super-Mare, Newport on the Isle of Wight, Swansea, Portsmouth, Dundee, Bath, and Newcastle-upon-Tyne, as well as Belfast and Douglas on the Isle of Man.
Critics have expressed incredulity at Sutton's dual commitment. Shadow policing and crime minister Matt Vickers stated that it is "unbelievable" for someone whose full-time job is overseeing policing in Norfolk to embark on a tour for 127 nights, potentially neglecting his elected duties. He added that the by-election for the PCC role cost taxpayers millions and that the tour appears to be a "cash-generating jaunt" that is a "slap in the face" to the public.
Conservative MP Jerome Mayhew echoed these sentiments, accusing Sutton of focusing on a "side-hustle" rather than his official role, which is meant to be a full-time position funded by the public. Steff Aquarone, the Liberal Democrat MP for North Norfolk, called the situation "totally unacceptable," suggesting Sutton had become "bored" with his job and should return his salary for the duration of the tour. Kay Mason Billig, leader of the Conservative group on Norfolk County Council, questioned who would handle the PCC's day-to-day duties, including holding the Chief Constable to account, while Sutton is performing on stage.
Reform UK uses the PCC role to advocate for zero-tolerance policing and increased visible frontline officers. Sutton's predecessor, Sarah Taylor, had resigned citing family issues after previously leaving the Labour Party in protest against plans to abolish PCCs in 2028.
Sutton, 65, retired from the Metropolitan Police in 2011. He won the July election with 26.6% of the vote on a 17.1% turnout. Upon his victory, he pledged to "repay the trust the people of Norfolk have put in me" and to "get to work on Monday."
A spokesperson for the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner stated that Sutton confirmed the speaking activities are private, have been discussed with the office, and will take place during his own time. The spokesperson assured that these engagements would not impact his ability to discharge his duties and that he would remain available for PCC-related business. The office expressed satisfaction that appropriate arrangements are in place and that his official responsibilities would not be adversely affected.