SUNDERLAND, United Kingdom – A Reform UK councillor has been charged with allegedly posting a grossly offensive comment on social media after writing in 2024 that Nigerians should be “melted down to fill in potholes.”
Okay News reports that Glenn Gibbins, a councillor in Sunderland, was suspended by Reform UK in May over the post but was reinstated the following month after an internal disciplinary process. The party said Gibbins apologised for the remark and acknowledged that it was made in “extremely poor taste” and reflected poor judgment.
Northumbria Police confirmed that Gibbins has now been charged in connection with the post. He is scheduled to appear before South Tyneside Magistrates’ Court next month to answer the charge.
Responding to the development, a spokesperson for Reform UK said the party was aware of the case and would monitor the outcome of the court proceedings. The party did not comment further on whether Gibbins would face additional disciplinary action while the case is ongoing.
The charge follows growing scrutiny of offensive online comments by public officials in the United Kingdom, with political parties facing increasing pressure to address conduct that could undermine public confidence or promote discriminatory rhetoric.
