Sunderland Reform councillor charged over anti-Nigerian post

A Reform UK councillor in Sunderland has been charged with posting a grossly offensive social media comment that targeted the city's Nigerian community. Glenn Gibbins, 66, was charged under the Communications Act 2003 following a police investigation into a post allegedly made in 2024, in which he suggested Nigerians should be "melted down" to fill potholes.

Northumbria Police confirmed the charge on July 29, 2026, stating they received a report regarding the post in May of this year and conducted an investigation. The force submitted a file to the Crown Prosecution Service, which subsequently authorized the criminal charge. Gibbins is due to appear before South Tyneside Magistrates' Court in August.

Gibbins was elected to represent the Hylton Castle ward on Sunderland City Council during the local elections on May 7, 2026. The controversial post, which had been deleted, came to public attention following his electoral success. In response to the allegations, Reform UK suspended Gibbins and conducted an internal disciplinary process. The party reinstated him in June 2026, issuing him a final written warning after he apologized and acknowledged the post was unacceptable.