First Reform UK police commissioner elected in Norfolk

Former detective Colin Sutton has made history by becoming the first Reform UK police and crime commissioner, securing the position for Norfolk. Sutton, who boasts a 30-year career including leadership on high-profile murder investigations, won the by-election with a significant majority of 14,299 votes.

His victory came after 32,647 people cast their ballots for him, placing the Conservative candidate, Matthew Taylor, in second place. The by-election was triggered by the resignation of Sarah Taylor, who had initially been elected as a Labour Party commissioner before leaving the party to become an independent. Her resignation was a protest against the planned abolition of the role.

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I'm overjoyed. Policing has been my life and it is the best job. I believe I can make a difference and make things better.

Voter turnout for the by-election stood at 17%. Speaking after the announcement of his win, Sutton expressed his joy and commitment to his new role. "Policing has been my life and it is the best job. I believe I can make a difference and make things better," he stated, promising to "repay the trust the people of Norfolk have put in him" and begin his work on Monday.

However, Sutton's tenure will be short-lived. Plans are in motion to abolish the positions of police and crime commissioners. These roles are set to be dissolved as part of a broader devolution of powers to Norfolk and Suffolk, which will culminate in the creation of a new mayoral position covering both counties.

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I will repay the trust the people of Norfolk have put in him and I will get to work on Monday.