Norfolk Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) Colin Sutton is considering canceling or drastically reducing a planned 127-date speaking tour in 2027, following widespread criticism that the engagements could interfere with his official duties. The tour, titled ‘The Makings of a Murderer – Double Jeopardy,’ was scheduled to take place across theatres in England, Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland, and the Channel Islands.
Sutton, a former Metropolitan Police detective chief inspector known for his involvement in high-profile cases, had initially insisted the speaking engagements could be managed in his "spare time." However, he has since acknowledged the public's concerns and is in discussions with tour promoters to curtail or abandon the tour. "I don't want anything to interfere with the job that I've got to do," Sutton stated, adding that he wants to ensure the people of Norfolk "still have the confidence that I would do the job properly."
Critics, including local politicians and members of the public, raised concerns about Sutton's ability to fulfill his role as PCC, which involves overseeing Norfolk Constabulary and setting its budget. The extensive schedule included instances where tour dates were logistically challenging, with a February 1st engagement in Llandudno, Wales, followed by a PCC panel meeting in Norfolk the next day, before another performance in Leeds that same evening. Similar scheduling conflicts arose in April.
Steff Aquarone, the Liberal Democrat MP for North Norfolk, criticized the tour's scale, comparing it to Taylor Swift's extensive concert schedule. "Either the job is serious and requires somebody full-time, paying attention, or it’s not and it’s okay to go off and do nearly as many tour dates as Taylor Swift," Aquarone said. The US pop star's global tour comprised 149 shows.
Shadow Policing and Crime Minister Matt Vickers accused Sutton of "completely neglecting the job for which he is paid tens of thousands of pounds a year," calling the tour a "cash-generating jaunt" and a "slap in the face" to taxpayers. Tickets for Sutton's shows were priced around £40 each, potentially generating significant income beyond his £79,000 annual salary.
Questions were also raised about whether Sutton disclosed his intention to undertake such a tour before his election in a by-election in July. Critics argued that booking theatre dates requires significant advance planning and that failing to inform voters constitutes a betrayal of trust. Former Norfolk County Council leader Kay Mason Billig stated, "He didn’t tell anybody he was going to do this before he stood. He’s misled the public, really."
Despite the criticism, Reform politician David Bick, who leads the county council, has expressed support, indicating that the matter was discussed with Sutton's office early on. A spokesman for the Reform party also stated their support for Sutton, noting that half of his proposed shows were scheduled for weekends.
Sutton, who retired from the Metropolitan Police in 2011, was instrumental in investigations leading to the conviction of serial killer Levi Bellfield and rapist Delroy Grant. He admitted being surprised by the extent of the public reaction to his speaking tour plans.