City's political leaders react as Reform's Glenn Gibbins charged over alleged Nigerians and potholes comment
“Throwing this man out of his party should have been the easiest call possible for Reform”
The region’s political leaders have reacted to news that Sunderland’s Reform UK councillor, Glenn Gibbins, has been charged with posting a grossly offensive comment on social media.
The charge relates to a now deleted alleged post made by Cllr Gibbins about the “amount of Nigerians in town,” and potholes.
It was apparently written in 2024, but was brought to public attention following his election in May when it was also reported to police.
Northumbria Police confirmed yesterday (July 29) that the 66-year-old from the Sunderland area has been charged by the Crown Prosecution Service in relation to the alleged comments.
Councillor Fiona Tobin, who represents the Barnes and Thornhill ward and is also leader of Sunderland Labour Party, said: “I'm glad the police are taking this seriously. The alleged comments, if proven, are appalling and do not reflect the city I'm proud of.
“The people of Sunderland deserve those who represent them to conduct themselves with decency, regardless of political party.”
After news of the alleged post came to light, Cllr Gibbins was suspended by Reform UK so an internal investigation could take place.
In June Cllr Gibbins was reinstated to the party and took up his position on the council as the representative for Hylton Castle ward - a decision which has now drawn further criticism from the city’s political leaders, including the chair of the Labour Party and Houghton and Sunderland South MP Bridget Phillipson.
The former education secretary said: “Nigel Farage needs to urgently explain why he welcomed Glenn Gibbins back into Reform just last month. Throwing this man out of his party should have been the easiest call possible for Reform – but yet again Farage has proven he’s unfit for office.”
It’s a sentiment shared by the leader of Sunderland Conservatives, Antony Mullen, who said: “Reform lifted the suspension on Glenn Gibbins. That Reform could not see the harm this alleged statement has caused is telling about the culture of their party .
“Their assessment of what is acceptable is totally at odds with the CPS, which now believes it has evidence to bring a criminal charge.
“Reform can hardly now distance themselves from him, having made the decision to stand by him, so must accept the consequences of choosing to continue to associate themselves with somebody that any other party would have expelled.
“It is now important that Mr Gibbins and Reform UK comply with law enforcement in any way that is required of them.”
Cllr Paul Edgeworth, who represents Grindon, Hastings Hill, Springwell and Thorney Close and is leader of Sunderland Liberal Democrats, said there should now be an election to appoint a new Hylton Ward councillor.
He said: “Reform UK should finally do the decent thing and make Glen Gibbins resign as a councillor. The voters in Hylton Castle, Castletown and Town End Farm should have a chance to elect a new local councillor so our city can finally move on."
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.”
Speaking after a council meeting last month, Reform UK’s Sunderland City Council leader, Cllr Chris Eynon, addressed his party’s decision to reinstate Cllr Gibbins, saying that all political parties “have people who (allegedly) say things and fall beneath standards”.
Cllr Gibbins is due to appear before South Tyneside Magistrates’ Court next month. Under the Communications Act 2003, posting a grossly offensive message online can carry a sentence of up to six months in prison.