Reform councillor suspended over racism allegations

A newly elected Reform UK councillor has been suspended from the party following allegations of racism, according to one of its politicians.

Gibbins, who appeared as Gibbons on some party material, is accused of posting racist comments online.

Speaking on BBC's Politics North, deputy leader of Durham County Council Darren Grimes said Gibbins had been suspended from the party pending an investigation.

As reported by Hope Not Hate, the post made by Gibbins against Sunderland's Nigerian community is believed to be from March 2024.

He has also been accused of misogyny in earlier posts.

Grimes said: "He's been suspended and the party is investigating those very serious allegations and will act on them."

When asked, Grimes agreed it had been "a failure of the vetting process".

"I accept that, I do accept that," he said, before pointing towards antisemitism allegations against various Green Party candidates in Newcastle.

Earlier, deputy leader of Reform Richard Tice appeared on Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg, where he was also asked about Gibbins.

"This weekend we are celebrating our incredible successes," Tice said.

"Like any party we have internal party processes to look where people have said or done the wrong thing.

"I condemn anything that is wrong and inappropriate, but the key point is voters have heard all of this smearing and sneering against all of us and they voted for more Reform because they want action, they want delivery, they're sick of the failures of the Tories and Labour."

Reform UK has been approached for comment.