Norfolk elects Reform's first ever Police and Crime Commissioner
Former detective Colin Sutton won with a majority of over 14,000
Last updated 17th Jul 2026
Reform UK's first ever police and crime commissioner has been elected in Norfolk.
Former detective Colin Sutton, who led several high profile murder investigations during his 30-year-career, received 32,647 votes.
This was 14,299 more than second-place Conservative candidate, Matthew Taylor.
Sutton said: “Having led major investigations in law enforcement for many years, I know what’s needed to hit the ground running."
Sutton is perhaps best known for leading the murder investigation into Levi Bellfield, who was found guilty of the murders of Marsha McDonnell, Amélie Delagrange, and 13-year-old Milly Dowler, and the attempted murder of Kate Sheedy.
“Norfolk has an excellent police force, but too often it has ignored our rural areas in favour of our city and towns," the PCC continued.
“That will change, and I will ensure that Norfolk Constabulary is a police force for the whole county.”
Reform UK’s leader Nigel Farage said Mr Sutton had worked “at the very highest level of law enforcement” and “Norfolk now has an experienced PCC who can hit the ground running from day one”.
Mr Sutton gained over 14,000 votes more than the second-place candidate, Matthew Taylor for the Conservatives.
The by-election was triggered following the resignation of former PCC Sarah Taylor (Labour), who quit the party and became an independent in protest at the role being scrapped.
Police and crime commissioners are set to be abolished in 2028, which the Labour government said will save at least £100 million.
Powers will instead be devolved to Norfolk and Suffolk and a mayorship covering the two counties will be created.
Voter turnout was 17%.
The full results of the voting were as follows:
- Colin Sutton, REFORM UK, 32,647 votes
- Matthew Taylor, CONSERVATIVE PARTY, 18,343
- Martin Schmierer, GREEN PARTY, 16,907
- Marcus Pearcey, INDEPENDENT, 16,402
- Beth Jones, LABOUR PARTY, 14,192
- Mark Buckton, RESTORE BRITAIN, 13,319
- Christopher Brown, LIBERAL DEMOCRATS, 10,499