Nigel Farage's deputy, Richard Tice, has come under fire after refusing to explicitly condemn a Reform councillor who suggested Nigerians should be 'melted' and used to fill potholes. During a tense television exchange, Tice complained about media 'smears' as he was questioned about the offensive social media post from Sunderland councillor Glenn Gibbins' account.
TV Exchange Highlights
Appearing on the BBC's Laura Kuenssberg programme, Tice said the party has an internal process to deal with such matters. When pressed to condemn the remark, he stated: 'I condemn anything that is wrong and inappropriate.' However, he declined to say whether the post itself was wrong or inappropriate, instead accusing the media of 'smearing and sneering' against Reform.
Kuenssberg interjected: 'It's not a very good one if someone who expresses that can be elected.' Tice responded by noting the party's success in local elections and insisted that voters want action, not criticism.
Background of the Controversy
Before Thursday's local elections, campaign group Hope Not Hate revealed that Gibbins' account had posted in March 2024: 'Carnt believe amount of nigerians in town…..should melt them all down and fill in the pot holes!!' The post sparked outrage, with Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson calling it an example of 'racism and division that is so perilous.'
Labour described Tice's failure to call out the comment as 'utterly grotesque.' A Labour spokesman said: 'It speaks volumes that Richard Tice tried to brush off these comments. And it speaks volumes that Nigel Farage refused to sack him as a candidate and is now happy to have him represent Reform as a councillor. They're both a disgrace.'
Party Response
Darren Grimes, deputy leader of Durham County Council, told BBC Look North that Gibbins has been suspended and the party is investigating the allegations. A senior Reform figure later confirmed the suspension. Tice, however, deflected questions by highlighting his upcoming campaign against anti-Semitism, stating: 'That's what people are really concerned about.'
The Mirror has contacted Reform UK for comment.
