Deputy leader of Reform UK, Richard Tice, has declined to directly condemn controversial remarks made by newly elected Sunderland councillor Glenn Gibbins about Nigerians during a televised BBC interview. Appearing on the BBC programme Sunday With Laura Kuenssberg, Tice repeatedly shifted focus away from questions regarding Gibbins' past social media posts, which resurfaced after the councillor won a seat representing Hylton Castle Ward in Sunderland.
Controversial Social Media Posts
In deleted posts, Gibbins reportedly complained about “the amount of Nigerians in town” and suggested they should be “melted down” to fill potholes. The councillor had also made offensive remarks about women and television presenters, reportedly describing Mel and Sue as “the two funniest fat repulsive lesbian hosts ever.”
Tice's Response During Interview
During the interview, Tice dismissed criticism surrounding the posts as part of a political attack campaign. “We’ve heard all this smearing, but let me tell you what people are really concerned about,” Tice said before moving the discussion toward antisemitism and wider political issues. Pressed again about the remarks, the Reform deputy leader responded: “If people have said daft things, of course, it will be looked at.” He later added: “I condemn anything that is wrong and inappropriate.” Tice argued that despite criticism aimed at Reform UK candidates, voters had continued supporting the party in local elections.
“The key point is that voters have heard all of this smearing against all of us, and they have voted for more Reform because they want action, they want delivery, and they are sick of the failures of Tory and Labour,” he said.
Growing Scrutiny of Reform UK Councillors
The controversy comes amid growing scrutiny of several Reform UK councillors over historical social media activity. Another newly elected Reform councillor, Jay Cooper, has also faced criticism over alleged posts in which he reportedly described the Holocaust as a “hoax” and shared conspiracy theories online. Cooper, who won a seat in Bootle West ward on Sefton Council, allegedly wrote in a deleted Facebook comment that the Holocaust was “propaganda” while responding to discussions about Adolf Hitler and far right politics.
The comments involving both councillors have intensified debate over candidate vetting and online conduct within Reform UK following its recent electoral gains.
