Colin Sutton defends 130-date UK theatre tour amid PCC criticism

Colin Sutton, the Reform UK Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) for Norfolk, is facing criticism following the announcement of an extensive 127 to 130-date UK theatre tour scheduled from January to November. The tour, titled ‘The Makings of a Murderer’, features the former Metropolitan Police detective performing a one-man show based on his career investigating high-profile criminal cases.

Political opponents have questioned whether Sutton can effectively manage his duties while traveling, with Labour MP Ben Goldsborough stating, “you can’t police a county from the back of a tour bus.” Critics have also called for him to resign his £79,000 taxpayer-funded position due to the scale of the tour.

Sutton has defended his decision, asserting that the performances take place in his spare time and will not impact his official responsibilities. He described the PCC role as a “very strategic role about setting priorities and setting budgets,” noting he would only be unavailable during the two-hour performance windows.