Glenn Gibbins, a Reform UK councillor for Sunderland city council, has been charged with posting a grossly offensive message on social media. Northumbria police stated the charge is under the Communications Act 2003 and relates to an alleged racist comment concerning Nigerians.
The force indicated the charge is in connection with a social media post from 2024 that referenced the Nigerian community. Police were alerted to the post in May, the same month Mr Gibbins was elected, and an investigation was launched before the Crown Prosecution Service authorised the charge.
Mr Gibbins, 66, from Sunderland, is due to appear before South Tyneside magistrates court on 21 August. A Northumbria police spokesperson urged the public not to speculate on the case.