Key facts
- Reform UK councillor Glenn Gibbins has been charged with posting a grossly offensive social media message.
- The charge is related to an alleged racist comment about Nigerians.
- Gibbins was elected to Sunderland city council in May.
- He is due to appear before South Tyneside magistrates court on August 21.
- The Labour party chair questioned Nigel Farage about Gibbins' reinstatement.
Reform UK councillor Glenn Gibbins has been charged with posting a grossly offensive message on social media, following allegations of a racist comment about Nigerians. Northumbria police confirmed the charge under the Communications Act 2003 relates to a 2024 post. The force was alerted to the message in May, the same month Gibbins was elected to Sunderland city council. The Crown Prosecution Service has authorised the charge, and the 66-year-old is scheduled to appear before South Tyneside magistrates court on August 21.
Police urged the public not to speculate on the case. Gibbins was among over 1,400 Reform UK councillors elected in May. Bridget Phillipson, chair of the Labour party, has called on Reform UK leader Nigel Farage to explain why Gibbins was reinstated by the party last month.