Norfolk Police Commissioner Colin Sutton is reconsidering a massive 127-date speaking tour scheduled for 2027. the planned tour, titled 'The Makings of a Murderer - Double Jeopardy,' has drawn sharp criticism from MPs and local officials who argue the schedule conflicts with his oversight duties.
The £79,000 salary and the risk of "money-making jaunts"
The controversy surrounding Colin Sutton highlights a growing tension between the personal branding of elected officials and their fundamental responsibilities to the public. As the Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) for Norfolk, Sutton is tasked with the high-level oversight of local law enforcement, a role that requires significant time and mental presence. The introduction of a sprawling, multi-national tour has raised questions about whether such a position can be held effectively while simultaneously pursuing a heavy performance schedule.
According to the report, the financial implications of the tour have become a primary point of contention. With tickets priced at approximately £40 each, critics argue the gross income could potentially exceed Sutton's official salary of £79,000. Shadow policing minister Matt Vickers has been particularly vocal, describing the planned tour as a "money-making jaunt" that ignores the essential duties of accountability and financial stewardship required of a public office.
Steff Aquarone’s comparison to a pop star's itinerary
Political leaders have expressed disbelief at the sheer scale of the proposed 2027 schedule. Steff Aquarone, the Liberal Democrat MP for North Norfolk, drew a sharp parallel between the commissioner's plans and the life of a celebrity. Aquarone noted that while a pop singer might perform 149 concerts over two years, attempting 127 in-person engagements is an unrealistic workload for a person responsible for supervising an entire police force.
This criticism is echoed by other political figures, including former Norfolk County Council leader Kay Mason Billig,who pointed to a lack of transparency regarding the tour's details. The backlash suggests that the public views the PCC role as a full-time commitment to local safety rather than a platform for a secondary career in public speaking.
Logistical clashes from Llandudno to Leeds
The physical impossibility of the tour is underscored by specific dates and locations cited in the official schedule. For example, the report notes a highly compressed period around February 30, 2027, where Sutton was slated to headline a show in Llandudno, return to Norfolk for a council panel the next day, and then perform in Leeds by the evening. Similar logistical strain was noted for an April 29 slot that required a panel appearance in Yorkshire followed by a stage appearance in Stevenage.
Such tight turnarounds raise practical concerns about the commissioner's ability to respond to local emergencies or attend to urgent Norfolk-based matters. Critics argue that the "hat-check tour" model prioritizes travel and performance over the stability of local policing.
Will local Norfolk theatres solve the transparency crisis?
In response to the mounting pressure, Sutton's office is currently exploring ways to mitigate the controversy by scaling back the tour . One proposed solution involves consolidating the events to local theatres within Norfolk to reduce travel time and allow for a more manageable "talk-with-the-public" model. However , several critical questions remain unanswered.
It is still unclear how much of the tour's promotion is being handled by third-party organizers and whether any taxpayer funds are being utilized for the logistics. Furthermore, while Sarah Taylor, a chief spokesperson, suggested the role must remain a platform for local policing, the public is left wondering if the tour will be significantly curtailed or canceled entirely to restore confidence in the Norfolk police leadership.
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