A Reform UK councillor in Sunderland has been charged over an alleged social media post targeting Nigerians that prosecutors say was “grossly offensive.” “The Crown Prosecution Service has authorized a charge under the Communications Act 2003 in relation to an alleged grossly offensive social media post,” the CPS said. Gibbins was elected as a Sunderland councillor during the May 2026 local elections, representing Reform UK, a right-wing populist political party. A Reform UK spokesperson said: “The party is aware of the situation involving Councillor Gibbins. Reform UK suspended Gibbins while it conducted an internal disciplinary process.