Reform UK has reinstated a councillor who suggested that Nigerians should be melted down to fill potholes. Glenn Gibbins, who was elected as the councillor for Hylton Castle Ward in Sunderland in early May, had been placed under investigation following the discovery of his now-deleted social media posts.
In the posts, believed to be from March 2024, Gibbins ranted about the number of Nigerians in town, writing that authorities should 'melt them all down and fill in the pot holes'. The comments sparked widespread condemnation and led Reform to initiate an internal disciplinary process.
However, the party has now confirmed that Gibbins has been reinstated. A Reform 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 social media posts from Gibbins included complaints about women on television, referring to presenters Mel and Sue as the 'two unfunniest fat repulsive lesbian hosts ever'. He also criticised female sports commentators, writing during a 2021 rugby match: 'Yet another woman commentator. It's getting out of control. There must be a hundred better male commentators but had to give it to a female. Wish they would stick to cooking, sewing and homemaking.'
Reform deputy leader Richard Tice previously refused to directly criticise Gibbins, instead 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 comments online. The party's decision to reinstate Gibbins has drawn criticism, but Reform maintains that the disciplinary process has been properly followed.
