Reform UK councillor Glenn Gibbins from Sunderland faces charges for a comment he made on Facebook in March 2024 suggesting Nigerians in the town “should melt them all down and fill in the pot holes.”

This was disclosed on Wednesday by Politics UK via a post it shared on its official X account, accompanied with a screenshot of Gibbins’ derogatory statement about Nigerians.

“A Reform UK councillor in Sunderland has been charged with posting a grossly offensive comment after writing in 2024 that Nigerians should be melted down to fill in potholes,” the post read.

Gibbins was elected during the local elections in May 2026, but was suspended by the party over the post, but reinstated in June after apologizing and receiving a final written warning from Reform UK.

“Glenn Gibbins was suspended as a Reform UK councillor in May over the post, but was reinstated last month following an internal disciplinary process,” the report added.

Reform UK said he “apologised for making the post and accepts that it was made in extremely poor taste showing poor judgement.”

However, according to Politics UK, Northumbria Police say Gibbins is due to appear at South Tyneside Magistrates’ Court next month.

“Northumbria Police confirmed the charge under the Communications Act 2003 for a grossly offensive message, with Gibbins due in South Tyneside Magistrates’ Court on August 21,” Politics UK said.

Responding, a Reform UK spokesman said: “The party is aware of the situation involving Cllr Gibbins. We will monitor the verdict closely.” (The Guardian, excluding headline)

•Photo of Reform UK councillor Glenn Gibbins alongside a screenshot of the Facebook post insulting Nigerians in Sunderland

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