Kamal Ghorui
A Reform UK candidate who previously said Nigerians should be “melted down” to fill potholes has won a council seat in Sunderland, sparking outrage over his past social media remarks.Glenn Gibbins, elected from the Hylton Castle ward, is facing heavy criticism after a series of now-deleted posts resurfaced online following the local election results.In one post from March 2024, Gibbins allegedly wrote: “Can’t believe amount of Nigerians in town…..should melt them all down and fill in the pot holes!!”The remark triggered widespread anger online, with critics branding it racist and demanding accountability from Reform UK over its choice of candidates.
Posts targeting Muslims and migrants resurface
Gibbins also allegedly made inflammatory comments about migrants and Muslims in several other posts.In one post, he referred to boat migrants as “an army of Muslims who will in time turn on us”, while another read: “OUR TOLERANCE IS The MUSLIMS GREATEST WEAPON”.The comments have intensified criticism of Reform UK as the party continues to expand its presence in local councils across England.Apart from his remarks on race and immigration, Gibbins also drew attention for comments targeting women in television and sports broadcasting.He reportedly described TV presenters Mel and Sue as the “unfunniest fat repulsive lesbian hosts ever”.During the 2021 Ireland vs Japan rugby match, he allegedly complained about a female commentator, writing: “Wish they wud stick to cooking, sewing and homemaking.”
Social media outrage after election result
The resurfaced posts led to strong reactions on X, with users condemning the councillor’s comments and questioning how he was elected despite the controversy.“A vile racist… has won a seat,” one user wrote, while others accused Reform UK of failing to properly vet candidates.The controversy comes as Reform UK made sweeping gains in England’s local council elections, with voters delivering a major setback to Prime Minister Keir Starmer and the Labour Party.The right-wing populist party expanded its presence across several councils at Labour’s expense.
