Police Commissioner Faces Criticism for 127-Date Theatre Tour

7:13 PM ETDeveloping

Politics Desk

In Short: Colin Sutton, Norfolk's Police and Crime Commissioner, is facing criticism for announcing a 127-date national theatre tour, despite being elected to the position just two months ago.

Sutton, who previously led the investigation that brought serial killer Levi Bellfield to justice, insists the tour will not impinge on his duties. However, Labour MP Ben Goldsborough warned, 'you can't police a county from the back of a tour bus.

The tour, which will include over 100 dates across the UK, has sparked debate about the role of PCCs and the potential impact on their ability to oversee local police forces. The Government has announced plans to scrap the role of PCC in 2028 to save at least £100 million.

Sutton's decision to go on the tour has drawn criticism from opposition parties, with Goldsborough expressing concern. Sutton, however, maintains that his first priority is Norfolk and that the tour can be managed alongside his official duties.

What's still developing

Colin Sutton was elected as Norfolk's Police and Crime Commissioner two months ago A newly elected £79,000-a-year police commissioner is facing criticism for announcing a 127-date national theatre tour.
After retiring from the Metropolitan Police, Sutton wrote a book about the case, which was later turned into an ITV drama.
This week, promoters of Sutton's "Makings of a Murderer" show announced he was set to tour the country from January to November next year.
Opposition parties have questioned how Reform UK's Colin Sutton will be able to focus on his job overseeing Norfolk Police, which he was elected to in July.
The former detective is due to present his true-crime show in theatres across the UK next year discussing police investigations, with tickets priced at around £40.
Labour MP Ben Goldsborough was surprised to learn of the commissioner's tour plan Sutton became one of the UK's most high-profile detectives in the 2000s, leading the investigation to catch serial killer Levi Bellfield, who murdered Milly Dowler, Marsha McDonnell and Amelie Delagrange.
In July, after the former Norfolk Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) Sarah Taylor resigned, Sutton comfortably won the election to replace her.
PCCs are elected officials who set the priorities of a police force, appoint a chief constable and hold them to account.

Sources

BBC link