A Reform UK councillor has been charged with posting a grossly offensive message on social media after allegedly making a racist comment about Nigerians.

In 2024, Gibbins posted a derogatory social media message about the Nigerian community, stating: “Can’t believe amount of Nigerians in town… should melt them all down and fill in the potholes!!”

Gibbins, of Sunderland city council, has now been charged with the offence under the Communications Act 2003, Northumbria Police said.

The force said the charge was in relation to a post from 2024 that referred to the Nigerian community.

It was alerted to the post in May, began investigations, then submitted a file to the Crown Prosecution Service, which has authorised a charge.

Mr Gibbins, who is 66 and from Sunderland, is due to appear before South Tyneside magistrates’ court on Aug 21.

A Northumbria Police spokesman said: “We are aware there has already been significant interest in relation to this individual and the social media post. We would urge people not to speculate, both online and in the community, in relation to this case.”

Mr Gibbins was suspended by Reform but was later reinstated, according to reports.