Politics Morning Star
Suspended Reform UK councillor convicted of malicious communication over Facebook post about Nigerian people
FORMER Reform councillor Glenn Gibbins has been convicted for saying Nigerians should be melted down, with the right-wing party accused of being “riddled with blatant racism.” The 66-year-old has avoi
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The 66-year-old has avoided jail time but was convicted on Monday of malicious communication after a trial at South Tyneside Magistrates’ Court, where he argued he was just making a “naughty,” tongue-in-cheek joke.
He made the post in March 2024, two years before he was elected.
District Judge Zoe Passfield sentenced him to a 12-month community order with 150 hours of unpaid work, having assessed that the post was not just offensive, but was grossly so.
His legal team said they intended to appeal at the Crown Court later.
Labour chair Bridget Phillipson said: “This damning verdict confirms Reform’s ranks are riddled with blatant racism. Acknowledging this isn’t a matter of party politics, it’s about basic decency.
“Reform knew Gibbins had made these comments, but they allowed him to stand to represent Sunderland. Rather than acting to root out racism, it took a police investigation to force Gibbins out of the party.
“Reform UK are drowning in sleaze and scandal. Time and again, they have shown they are not fit for office and they would take our country in a dangerous direction.”
Following the conviction, defence lawyer Adam King said that Mr Gibbins suffered losses at his concession at the Bridges shopping centre, and had suffered as a result of media scrutiny.
Mr Gibbins must pay £650 in court costs and an £114 surcharge, but the district judge did not make a compensation order.