Glenn Gibbins, a Reform UK councillor on Sunderland City Council, has been charged with posting a grossly offensive message on social media. Northumbria Police said the charge relates to a post from 2024 that referenced the Nigerian community.
Charge details
The 66-year-old from Sunderland faces a charge under the Communications Act 2003. He is due to appear before South Tyneside Magistrates’ Court on 21 August.
Police were alerted to the post in May 2026, the same month Gibbins was elected as a councillor. The Crown Prosecution Service authorised the charge after an investigation.
Party context
Gibbins was one of more than 1,400 Reform UK councillors elected in May 2026, when Nigel Farage’s party took control of 14 councils, including Sunderland, Barnsley, St Helens and Thurrock. He was reinstated to the party following an internal disciplinary process.
Labour Party chair Bridget Phillipson commented: “Nigel Farage needs to urgently explain why he welcomed Glenn Gibbins back into Reform just last month.”
Northumbria Police urged people not to speculate online or in the community regarding the case.
