Reform UK Councillor Charged Over Vile Anti-Nigerian Social Media Post

​SUNDERLAND, UK — A sitting Reform UK councillor has been formally charged by British police following an investigation into a social media post in which he suggested that members of the Nigerian community should be “melted down” to repair local infrastructure.

​Northumbria Police confirmed that 66-year-old Glenn Gibbins, who represents the Hylton Castle ward on Sunderland City Council, has been charged under the Communications Act 2003 for posting a grossly offensive message.

​The legal action follows a public outcry triggered by a resurfaced online post from 2024. In the deleted tweet, Gibbins wrote: “Carnt believe amount of nigerians in town…..should melt them all down and fill in the pot holes!!”

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​Investigation and Political Fallout

​Law enforcement agencies were alerted to the inflammatory post in May—coinciding with the local elections where Gibbins secured his seat as part of Reform UK’s historic gains on Sunderland City Council. Following a formal inquiry, a case file was handed over to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), which authorized the criminal charge.

​The controversy has placed intense scrutiny on Nigel Farage’s party and its candidate vetting procedures. Although Gibbins was initially suspended when the remarks first surfaced, he was quietly readmitted to the party last month after receiving a final written warning following an internal disciplinary review.

​The decision to reinstate him drew fierce condemnation from political opponents, with Labour Party figures demanding answers from party leadership over why an individual facing allegations of severe racial hostility was welcomed back into the fold.

​Next Legal Steps

​Northumbria Police have urged the public to refrain from online or community speculation as the legal proceedings move forward.

​Gibbins is scheduled to make his first appearance before the South Tyneside Magistrates’ Court on August 21. Meanwhile, a spokesperson for Reform UK stated that the party is monitoring the developments closely.