Former Reform UK Councillor Glenn Gibbins Denies Charge Over Racist Social Media Post

Former Reform UK councillor Glenn Gibbins has pleaded not guilty to a charge relating to a racist social media post which included the words "Carnt believe amount of nigerians in town.....should melt them all down and fill in the pot holes!!", with the North East councillor now set to face trial later this year.

Gibbins, who represents the Washington South ward on Sunderland City Council, appeared at South Tyneside Magistrates' Court in South Shields on Friday, August 21.

The councillor was elected to Sunderland City Council in May 2026 as a Reform UK candidate but is now listed by the local authority as an Independent.

The case involving Glenn Gibbins has attracted attention across Sunderland, Newcastle and the wider North East, particularly because of the nature of the social media post at the centre of the proceedings and his position as an elected representative.

Racist councillor post dates back to March 2024.

The case relates to a social media post dated March 19, 2024. A screenshot of the post displaying the name Glenn Gibbins and a profile photograph has subsequently circulated widely on social media.



The racist councillor post referred to Nigerians before including the words "melt them down" and making a further reference to filling potholes.

The screenshot predates Gibbins' election to Sunderland City Council by more than two years.

Northumbria Police began investigating after the social media post came to the force's attention in May 2026. Police subsequently announced that Gibbins had been charged with an offence under the Communications Act 2003.

Gibbins denies the charge and the allegation against him has not been proven in court.

Glenn Gibbins pleads not guilty in court.

During Friday's appearance at South Tyneside Magistrates' Court, Gibbins confirmed his personal details before entering a not guilty plea.

Leah Plews appeared for the prosecution, while Daniel Berke represented Gibbins for the defence. District Judge Zoe Passfield oversaw the proceedings.

The prosecution told the court that the case was suitable for a summary trial. The court was also told that approximately three hours should be allowed for the hearing.

A trial has now been scheduled for November 9 at South Tyneside Magistrates' Court. Gibbins was granted unconditional bail by District Judge Passfield ahead of the trial.

Case draws interest across Newcastle and North East.

Although Glenn Gibbins represents a Sunderland ward and the court proceedings are taking place in South Shields, the case has wider relevance across Newcastle and the North East.

Northumbria Police serves communities across Newcastle, Gateshead, Sunderland, North Tyneside, South Tyneside and Northumberland. Cases concerning potentially offensive communications can also generate wider debate about social media, political accountability and the standards expected of elected representatives.

The Communications Act 2003 contains provisions covering certain communications sent through public electronic communications networks. Whether the post in the Glenn Gibbins case meets the relevant criminal threshold will be determined through the court process.

Gibbins is expected to return to South Tyneside Magistrates' Court for trial on November 9. Until the case is determined, he remains entitled to the presumption of innocence.

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