A Reform UK councillor suspended over comments about Nigerians has been reinstated by the party after an internal investigation, a decision that has reignited debate about racism, political accountability and the treatment of migrant communities in Britain.
Glenn Gibbins, who was elected in May to represent Hylton Castle ward on Sunderland City Council, had been suspended after reports emerged that he made offensive comments on social media about Nigerians living in the city.
According to reports first highlighted by anti extremism campaign group Hope Not Hate, Gibbins wrote in a Facebook post that he was surprised by the number of Nigerians in Sunderland and suggested they should be “melted down” and used to fill potholes. The post, believed to have been made in March 2024, was later deleted.
The remarks sparked widespread criticism and led Reform UK to suspend the councillor pending an investigation. However, the party announced this week that Gibbins had been readmitted and issued with a final written warning after completing its disciplinary process.
In a statement, Reform UK said Gibbins had apologised and acknowledged that the comments were made in extremely poor taste and demonstrated poor judgment.
The councillor also issued a public apology, insisting that the remarks were intended as jokes and did not reflect his personal beliefs or values. He said he regretted the language used and any offence caused, adding that his focus remained on serving residents in his ward.
The controversy comes at a sensitive time for Reform UK, which made major gains in local elections and took control of Sunderland City Council for the first time, ending decades of Labour dominance.
The incident has also drawn attention to the growing Nigerian community in the United Kingdom. According to data from the UK’s Office for National Statistics, Nigerians are among the largest and fastest growing African migrant groups in Britain, with significant populations in cities including London, Manchester, Birmingham and Newcastle.
Research from organisations such as the Runnymede Trust and British Future has highlighted concerns about racial discrimination faced by Black communities in Britain despite their growing contribution to the economy, education sector and healthcare services. Nigerians are particularly well represented in professional occupations, including medicine, engineering, finance and academia.
Critics argue that comments targeting ethnic groups can deepen social divisions and undermine community cohesion. Supporters of stronger disciplinary action say elected representatives should be held to a higher standard because of their public role.
While Reform UK says the matter has been resolved through its disciplinary process, the decision to reinstate Gibbins is likely to remain controversial, particularly among campaigners who argue that racist language should carry more serious political consequences.
