By Emmanuel Nduka Obisue
A councillor with the UK’s Reform UK party, Glenn Gibbins, has been charged over an allegedly offensive social media post targeting Nigerians.
Northumbria Police said the 66-year-old was charged under the UK’s Communications Act 2003 in connection with a post he made in 2024.
Gibbins had previously faced an internal investigation by Reform UK over the post, which resulted in a final written warning. He was also suspended by the party before being reinstated.
The post that triggered the criminal charge read: “Carnt believe amount of nigerians in town…..should melt them all down and fill in the pot holes!!”
Police said they were alerted to the post in May, prompting an investigation. A case file was later submitted to the Crown Prosecution Service, which authorised the charge.
In a statement, Northumbria Police appealed to members of the public to avoid commenting on the matter while legal proceedings are ongoing.
“We are aware there has already been significant interest in relation to this individual and the social media post. We would urge people not to speculate, both online and in the community, in relation to this case,” the spokesperson said.
The police added that Gibbins, who is from the Sunderland area, is expected 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 charge and would await the outcome of the court proceedings.
“We will monitor the verdict closely,” the spokesperson said.
