A Reform UK councillor in Sunderland, England, has been charged over an alleged social media post targeting Nigerians, with UK prosecutors accusing him of publishing content considered grossly offensive.
The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) confirmed that Councillor Gibbins was charged under the UK’s Communications Act 2003 after reviewing evidence from an investigation into a post allegedly made in 2024.
According to the CPS, the post reportedly suggested that Nigerians should be “melted down and used to fill potholes,” a remark that sparked widespread outrage and prompted a criminal investigation.
In a statement, the prosecution authority said the available evidence met the legal threshold for criminal charges.
“The Crown Prosecution Service has authorised a charge under the Communications Act 2003 in relation to an alleged grossly offensive social media post,” the CPS stated.
Gibbins, who was elected to Sunderland City Council under the Reform UK platform during the May 2026 local elections, is expected to appear before South Tyneside Magistrates’ Court in August.
“We Will Monitor The Verdict”
Reacting to the development, Reform UK acknowledged the case and said it would closely monitor the legal proceedings.
“The party is aware of the situation involving Councillor Gibbins. We will monitor the verdict closely,” a spokesperson for the party said.
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The party had previously suspended Gibbins while conducting its own internal disciplinary investigation into the controversial post.
However, he was reinstated in June after issuing an apology, admitting the post was inappropriate and accepting a final written warning from the party.
Reform UK maintained that the councillor had accepted responsibility for his conduct under its internal disciplinary process, but the criminal case would now proceed independently through the courts.
Under UK law, Gibbins remains presumed innocent unless and until a court finds him guilty.
The case is scheduled to come before South Tyneside Magistrates’ Court next month, where the allegations against the councillor will be formally considered.