A Reform UK councillor in Sunderland has been charged over an alleged social media post targeting Nigerians. 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. In a statement at the time, Reform UK said Gibbins had apologised for the post, acknowledged that it was unacceptable, and accepted the party’s disciplinary action.