A newly elected member of the right-wing political party Reform UK is facing growing criticism after racist comments about Nigerians resurfaced online shortly after the UK local elections.
The controversy centres on Glenn Gibbins, who recently won a council seat in Sunderland, England, during the latest round of local elections. Reports from British media outlets revealed that Gibbins had allegedly posted offensive comments on social media in 2024, complaining about the “amount of Nigerians in town” before writing that they should be “melted down” to fill potholes.
The remarks triggered outrage across social media and among political opponents, with many accusing Reform UK of failing to properly vet candidates standing under the party’s platform. Anti-racism campaign group Hope Not Hate reportedly uncovered the posts and brought them back into public attention following the election result.
Senior figures within the UK government and opposition parties condemned the comments. Critics described the language as racist and dangerous, arguing that it fuels hostility toward immigrants and ethnic minority communities in Britain. Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson reportedly said the incident reflected the kind of “division” Reform UK was bringing into British politics.
The backlash intensified after Reform UK deputy leader Richard Tice stopped short of directly condemning the councillor during a television interview. Instead, Tice accused sections of the media of attempting to “smear” the party following its strong performance in the elections. He stated that internal investigations would determine whether disciplinary action was necessary.
Conflicting reports later emerged regarding Gibbins’ status within the party. Some local Reform figures suggested he had been suspended pending an investigation, while other party representatives indicated that no final decision had yet been made.
The incident comes at a sensitive time for Reform UK, which recently made major gains in council elections across parts of northern England. The party, led by Nigel Farage, has been attempting to expand its influence nationally by capitalising on voter frustration over immigration, the economy, and dissatisfaction with the main political parties.
However, the latest scandal has renewed scrutiny over several controversial statements previously linked to Reform UK candidates and supporters. Earlier investigations by British media and anti-extremism groups had already raised concerns about racist, anti-Muslim, and extremist remarks allegedly made by some individuals connected to the party.
The controversy has also sparked widespread reaction online, particularly among Nigerians in the UK and diaspora communities, many of whom described the comments as deeply offensive and reflective of growing anti-immigrant rhetoric in parts of British politics. Source: ITV News UK
