A Reform UK councillor has been charged after allegedly publishing what prosecutors describe as a grossly offensive social media post about Nigerians.

Glenn Gibbins, 66, who represents the Hylton Castle ward on Sunderland City Council, has been charged under Section 127 of the Communications Act 2003 following an investigation by Northumbria Police. The Crown Prosecution Service authorised the charge after reviewing the evidence.

The charge relates to a Facebook post believed to have been made in March 2024, before Gibbins was elected as a councillor. The post read:

“Can't believe amount of Nigerians in town… should melt them all down and fill in the pot holes!!”

According to police, the post was brought to their attention in May 2026 after Gibbins was elected to Sunderland City Council. Officers launched an investigation before referring the case to the CPS, which subsequently approved the charge. Gibbins is due to appear at South Tyneside Magistrates' Court on August 21.

Following the emergence of the post shortly after May's local elections, Reform UK suspended Gibbins while carrying out an internal disciplinary investigation. However, the party later reinstated him and issued a final written warning after concluding its process.

A Reform UK spokesperson previously said:

"Following an internal disciplinary process, Cllr Gibbins has been readmitted to the party and issued with a final written warning.

"He has apologised for making the post and accepts that it was made in extremely poor taste showing poor judgment."

In his own apology, Gibbins said:

"A number of years ago, prior to standing for election and before joining Reform UK, I made a series of posts on my personal Facebook profile which were intended as jokes, but were made in extremely poor taste and with poor judgement.

"I fully recognise that these comments were entirely inappropriate and I sincerely apologise to anyone who may have been offended by them. The posts do not reflect my personal beliefs or values, and I regret both the language used and the offence caused.

"My focus is fully on serving the residents who elected me, and I remain committed to representing the people of Hylton Castle Ward to the best of my ability."

Following news of the criminal charge, Reform UK said:

"The party is aware of the situation involving Cllr Gibbins. We will monitor the verdict closely."

The decision to reinstate Gibbins after his suspension has continued to attract criticism. Labour Party chair Bridget Phillipson called on Reform UK leader Nigel Farage to explain why the councillor had been welcomed back into the party after its internal investigation.

The case has also generated widespread reaction on social media, where many users questioned how Gibbins had been able to hold public office after the comments surfaced. One person wrote:

“What scares me the most is that there are others who think just like him in positions of power in this country..”

Another said:

“What brain cells did he conjure up to acquire his position as a councillor??? Like what kind of reasoning must you have to think and intentionally type this up. In 2024? And who do you surround yourself with? 2year old kids from 1944? Grow up and pick up a book once in a while. Abysmal behaviour.”

A third commented:

“Imagine being a politician and not even being able to correctly spell "can't" and then thinking you ate with this post!”

Northumbria Police has urged people to avoid speculation or commentary that could prejudice the ongoing legal proceedings while the case progresses through the courts.