Reform councillor Glenn Gibbins charged by police after alleged comments about Nigerians and pot holes
The Hylton Castle Ward councillor was reinstated by Reform UK in June
Sunderland’s Reform UK councillor, Glenn Gibbins, has been charged with posting a grossly offensive comment on social media which referenced the city’s Nigerian community and pot holes.
Glenn Gibbins was elected to serve Sunderland City Council’s Hylton Castle ward following local elections on May 7 in which the Reform UK candidate finished ahead of nine other candidates by attracting 1,295 votes.
However, following the election it was announced that Cllr Gibbins was under investigation by his party over an alleged social media post from 2024 – now deleted – in which he is said to have made a distasteful comment about the “amount of Nigerians in town” and pot holes.
Northumbria Police has today (July 29) confirmed he has been charged in relation to the comment under the Communications Act 2003.
The now deleted post was alleged to have been made in 2024, but was brought to public attention following his election.
Northumbria Police confirmed they received a report in relation to the post in May this year (2026) and carried out an investigation. The Force submitted a file to the Crown Prosecution Service, who subsequently authorised the charge.
The 66-year-old, from the Sunderland area, is due to appear before South Tyneside Magistrates’ Court next month (August).
A spokesperson for Northumbria Police said: “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.”
Following the alleged post, Cllr Gibbins was suspended by Reform UK whilst an internal investigation took place.
In June (2026) Cllr Gibbins was reinstated to the party and took up his position on the Council as the representative for Hylton Castle ward.
Explaining his reinstatement, a Reform UK spokesperson at the time said: “Following an internal disciplinary process, Cllr Gibbins has been readmitted to the party and issued with a final written warning.”
After being informed of the charge, a spokesperson for Reform UK said: “The party is aware of the situation involving Cllr Gibbins. We will monitor the verdict closely.”