Norfolk PCC cancels 127-date theatre tour

The former Metropolitan Police detective, who was elected as Norfolk’s first Reform UK PCC in July, had been due to appear in The Makings of a Murderer – Double Jeopardy, a live show based on his career investigating major crimes.

The tour was advertised to run across 11 months next year, including four London dates.

Mr Sutton initially defended the plans, saying the performances would take place in his spare time and would not interfere with his work as PCC. However, speaking to North Norfolk District Council’s scrutiny committee, he confirmed that he had decided to abandon the tour following feedback from Norfolk residents.

“I’m not sure I could do 127 dates because it was ridiculous, but I could have done some,” he said. “What I don’t want to do is to give the impression to anybody that I don’t take this role seriously and I’m not going to do a good job on this.”

He said he had concluded that the tour was not compatible with the demands of the PCC role. “Upon reflection on the feedback from Norfolk residents and the time requirements for the role of the PCC, I have decided not to go ahead with the proposed tour.

“I will continue to apply all my energies to the important task of making Norfolk Constabulary an even better police force that is responsive to its neighbourhoods.”

Mr Sutton spent 30 years in policing and led the investigation that brought serial killer Levi Bellfield to justice. He has previously appeared on stage discussing his career.

The planned tour had attracted criticism from political opponents and members of the public, with concerns raised about the time commitment involved in travelling to venues across the country while overseeing Norfolk Police.

Mr Sutton said he had listened to those concerns and accepted that he had underestimated the demands of the PCC role.