A Reform UK candidate who suggested that Nigerians should be 'melted down to fill in the pot holes' has been readmitted to the party. Glenn Gibbins, elected as councillor for Hylton Castle Ward in Sunderland in early May, was placed under investigation after his offensive social media posts came to light.
Offensive Remarks
In now-deleted posts from March 2024, Gibbins ranted about the number of Nigerians in town, writing: 'I carnt believe amount of Nigerians in town' and suggesting they 'should melt them all down and fill in the pot holes'. The comments sparked widespread condemnation, prompting Reform to launch an internal disciplinary process.
Reinstatement and Warning
Reform has now confirmed that Cllr Gibbins has been reinstated. A party spokesman stated: 'Following an internal disciplinary process, Cllr Gibbins has been readmitted to the party and issued with a final written warning. He has apologised for making the post and accepts that it was made in extremely poor taste showing poor judgment.'
Other Controversial Posts
Further social media posts from Gibbins revealed complaints about women on television, calling Mel and Sue the 'two unfunniest fat repulsive lesbian hosts ever'. He also criticised female rugby commentators, writing during a 2021 Ireland v Japan match: 'Yet another woman comentator. It's getting out of controll. There must be a hundred better male comentators but had to give it to a female. Wish they wud stick to cooking, sewing and homemaking.'
Party Response
Reform deputy leader Richard Tice initially refused to directly criticise Gibbins, accusing the media of 'smearing' his party. When asked if Gibbins' views represented Reform UK, Tice said: 'This weekend we are celebrating our incredible successes. Like any party, we have internal party processes to look where people have said or done the wrong thing.' He added: 'I condemn everything that is wrong and inappropriate. Voters have heard all of this smearing and this sneering against all of us, and they have voted for more Reform.'
Other Reform councillors have also faced scrutiny for controversial online comments.
