UK party expels councillor over anti-Nigerian sl¥r

UK party expels councillor over anti-Nigerian slur

The Reform UK party has expelled a British councillor, Glenn Gibbins, following his conviction over a racist Facebook post targeting Nigerians.

Gibbins, 66, who was elected to Sunderland City Council in May, received a 12-month community order after District Judge Zoe Passfield ruled on Monday that his post breached the Malicious Communications Act.

According to a BBC report on Wednesday, Reform UK confirmed the councillor’s expulsion following his conviction.

The case stemmed from a Facebook post published in March 2024, in which Gibbins made a derogatory remark about Nigerians living in his city.

South Tyneside Magistrates’ Court heard that the councillor wrote, “Can’t believe the amount of Nigerians in town… should melt them all down and fill in the pot holes!! [sic]”

During his trial, Gibbins defended the comment, describing it as “cheeky”, “naughty” and “tongue in cheek.”

His legal team indicated that he intended to appeal the conviction at the Crown Court.