Colin Sutton Cancels 130-Show Theatre Tour After Public Backlash
Norfolk police and crime commissioner Colin Sutton has abandoned a planned 130‑date national theatre tour after facing criticism from local residents and MPs. The tour, featuring the play *The Makings Of A Murderer – Double Jeopardy*, was intended to run across the UK in 2027. Sutton, a former Metr…
By Felo News Desk · Published
In a surprising turn, Norfolk’s police and crime commissioner (PCC), Colin Sutton, has called off a planned 130‑date national theatre tour that was set to run across the UK in 2027. The tour, featuring the stage production The Makings Of A Murderer – Double Jeopardy, was announced by event promoters who listed 130 appearances over an 11‑month period. Sutton, who was elected as Norfolk’s PCC in July, had initially defended the venture, asserting that he was entitled to pursue personal interests and that the shows would not interfere with his official responsibilities.
Who Is Colin Sutton?
Colin Sutton is a former Metropolitan Police detective who spent 30 years in law enforcement, including leading the investigation that brought serial killer Levi Bellfield to justice. In July, he was elected as the first PCC for Norfolk under the banner of Reform UK, a party that has recently announced it will phase out the PCC role by 2028 to save public funds. Sutton’s annual salary as PCC is £79,052.
The Planned Tour and Its Controversy
Event promoters had scheduled the play to travel across the country, with Sutton slated to host live stage productions in each city. He claimed he would be “incommunicado” for only two hours during each performance and that the shows would not impinge on his duties as PCC. Sutton’s defence was that, as a public official, he was not bound to be present at every event and that the tour would not prevent him from fulfilling his responsibilities in Norfolk.
However, the announcement sparked immediate backlash. Residents of Norfolk expressed concerns that a PCC should focus on policing rather than touring a theatre production. Labour MP Ben Goldsborough, representing South Norfolk, publicly criticized the plan, telling the BBC that “you can’t police a county from the back of a tour bus.” The criticism highlighted the expectation that PCCs maintain a strong local presence and prioritize public safety over personal entertainment ventures.
Decision to Cancel
During a North Norfolk District Council scrutiny committee meeting on Wednesday, Sutton confirmed that he had withdrawn from the nationwide tour. He explained to councillors that the personal reactions he received from residents had made him reconsider. “What surprised me and what made me reflect and think again was the reaction that I got personally from a number of residents,” he said. He acknowledged that while he could have performed a few shows, the scale of 127 dates was unrealistic and could give the impression that he was not taking his role seriously.
In his statement, Sutton emphasized that he was not legally obliged to conduct the tour and that he chose to cancel to avoid undermining public confidence in his commitment to policing. The decision underscores the delicate balance public officials must maintain between personal interests and their official duties.
What Comes Next?
With the tour cancelled, Sutton will refocus on his primary responsibilities as PCC, which include overseeing the local police force, setting crime prevention priorities, and managing the budget. The role itself is slated for abolition in 2028, as announced by the government in 2025, when the next nationwide PCC elections will be held. The move is part of a broader effort to save at least £100 million by eliminating the position entirely.
The incident has sparked a broader conversation about the expectations placed on PCCs and the extent to which they can pursue personal projects. While the role is being phased out, the debate highlights the importance of public perception and accountability for those who hold public office.
Key facts
- Colin Sutton cancelled a 130‑date theatre tour after public backlash
- The tour featured *The Makings Of A Murderer – Double Jeopardy* and was slated for 2027
- Criticism from residents and MP Ben Goldsborough questioned the appropriateness of the tour
- Sutton cited personal reactions and the need to maintain public confidence as reasons for canceling
- The PCC role will be abolished in 2028 as part of a £100 million cost‑saving plan
Why it matters
The cancellation highlights the expectations placed on public officials and the importance of aligning personal activities with public duties, especially as the PCC role itself faces abolition.
Frequently asked questions
What is a police and crime commissioner?
A PCC is an elected official responsible for overseeing the police force in a local area, setting priorities, and managing budgets.
Why was the PCC role being abolished?
The government announced the abolition to save public funds, estimating a £100 million cost reduction by 2028.
Did Sutton have a legal obligation to cancel the tour?
No, he was not legally required to cancel; he chose to do so to maintain public trust.
Sources
- [1] independent.co.uk — originally reported as “Reform police commissioner scraps 130-date theatre tour after public backlash”
