Norfolk PCC disputes notes on theatre tour discussion

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 16 Oct, 18:38 · Archive

Colin Sutton, Norfolk's police and crime commissioner, has disputed official records of what he told staff about his planned theatre tour.

Colin Sutton, Norfolk's police and crime commissioner, has disputed official notes recording a discussion with his team about his planned theatre tour. Documents from a meeting on 10 August show that he told chief executive Mark Stokes and director of governance Sharon Lister the tour would involve just 14 dates. Mr Sutton has claimed his staff misheard him and that he believed it would be far smaller in scale than the 127-date tour which was eventually announced.

Mr Sutton's one-man show, about his career as a detective with the Metropolitan Police, had sparked public outcry when its true scope became known. He initially insisted he could manage the tour in his 'spare time' alongside his taxpayer-funded role, a claim that drew criticism and saw him dubbed 'Spare time Sutton'. The tour would have taken 11 months.

After days of mounting anger, Mr Sutton changed his mind and abandoned the plans. The row has resurfaced following a Freedom of Information request about the meeting with his team at the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner.

How it is being reported

• Recollections may vary! 'Spare time Sutton' row revives as he says staff misheard himNorfolk PCC Colin Sutton has disputed official notes recording him telling senior staff his axed theatre tour would run to just 14 dates.Eastern Daily Press · 16 Oct, 17:55
• Recollections may vary! 'Spare time Sutton' row revives as he says staff misheard himNorfolk PCC Colin Sutton has disputed official notes recording him telling senior staff his axed theatre tour would run to just 14 dates.Norwich Evening News · 16 Oct, 17:55

In this story: Colin Sutton · Mark Stokes · Sharon Lister · Norfolk · Metropolitan Police

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