A Reform UK councillor, Glenn Gibbins, has been charged over an offensive social media post he made about Nigerians in 2024.
Gibbins allegedly wrote on Facebook in March 2024: “Can’t believe amount of Nigerians in town… should melt them all down and fill in the potholes.”
According to Politics UK, which disclosed the development in a post on its official X account on Wednesday, Gibbins has been charged in connection with the comment.
The report stated that the Sunderland councillor faces a charge under the Communications Act 2003 for allegedly posting a grossly offensive message.
Gibbins was elected during the May 2026 local elections but was suspended by Reform UK after the post resurfaced. He was reinstated in June following an internal disciplinary process after issuing an apology and receiving a final written warning from the party.
Confirming the disciplinary action, Reform UK said Gibbins “apologised for making the post and accepts that it was made in extremely poor taste showing poor judgement.”
According to Politics UK, Northumbria Police confirmed the charge and said Gibbins is scheduled to appear before South Tyneside Magistrates’ Court on August 21.
Reacting to the development, a spokesperson for Reform UK said the party was aware of the case and would monitor the court proceedings.
“The party is aware of the situation involving Cllr Gibbins. We will monitor the verdict closely,” the spokesperson said.