Reform expels Sunderland councillor after ‘grossly offensive’ post trial

Warning: Some readers may find language in this story offensive

A councillor convicted over a “grossly offensive” Facebook post about the Nigerian community has been expelled from his party.

Reform UK confirmed it had expelled Sunderland City Councillor Glenn Gibbins following the conclusion of his trial on Monday.

Gibbins was convicted of a malicious communication over the post made in March 2024, which came to light two years later when he was elected to represent the Hylton Castle ward. He was sentenced to a 12-month community order with 150 hours of unpaid work.

His legal team said Gibbins intended to appeal at the crown court later.

South Tyneside Magistrates’ Court heard Gibbins’ had posted on Facebook: “Carnt believe the amount of nigerians in town… should melt them all down and fill in the pot holes!! [sic]”

During the trial, he said it was a tongue-in-cheek joke and “an unreal scenario”.

Convicting him, District Judge Zoe Passfield said: “The post was nothing more and nothing less than a grossly offensive comment about members of the Nigerian community in Sunderland and Mr Gibbins’ views as to their status, or otherwise, as human beings.”

Gibbins was initially suspended by Reform the same month he was elected, but then he was reinstated with a final written warning.

He was suspended again in August after filth charged him with the malicious communication offence.

A Reform spokesperson said: “Glenn Gibbins was expelled from Reform UK following the conclusion of his trial.”

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