Reform accused of failing to condemn ‘clear racism’ after councillor’s ‘Nigerians should fill pot holes’ remark
Reform UK has faced intense scrutiny and accusations of “failing to address overt racism” after its deputy leader refused to publicly condemn remarks reportedly made by a newly elected councillor.
Glenn Gibbins, who was elected as a Reform councilor for Sunderland in this week’s local elections, posted on social media complaining about the “amount of Nigerians in the city” in 2024.
“Must melt them all and fill the holes!!” he wrote in a post that has since been deleted, according to campaign group Hope Not Hate.
Reform deputy leader Richard Tice refused to criticize Mr Gibbins directly on Sunday, instead accusing the media of “defaming” Nigel Farage’s party.
Asked if he was happy with such views representing the party, Mr Tice told the BBC: Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg programme: “We are celebrating our incredible achievements this weekend. Like any party, we have internal party processes that look into where people say or do things wrong.”
He added: “I condemn everything that is wrong and inappropriate. The voters heard all these slurs and mockery of us all and voted for more Reform.”
Education Minister Bridget Phillipson, who appeared at the same programme, described the incident as an example of the “racism and discrimination” that Reformation had introduced into politics.
A Labor Party spokesman went further, saying: “It is extremely strange that Reform cannot even raise overt racism. It speaks volumes that Richard Tice is trying to ignore these comments. And it speaks volumes that Nigel Farage has refused to unseat him as a candidate and is now happy to have him represent Reform as a councillor.”
“They are both disgraceful. The only party that can stand against split reform is Labour.”
On Sunday’s programme, Tice was also asked about a previously undisclosed £5m gift Nigel Farage received from a party donor, and Tice was unable to confirm that the Reform leader had not used the money for the campaign.
