Reform UK has suspended Sunderland City Councillor Glenn Gibbins pending the outcome of a court case concerning a "grossly offensive" social media comment.
Gibbins, 66, faces a charge under the Communications Act 2003 related to a post made in 2024 that referenced the Nigerian community. He is scheduled to appear at South Tyneside Magistrates' Court on Friday.
Northumbria Police initiated an investigation in May after the post came to light. Gibbins was elected to Sunderland City Council the same month and was initially suspended by Reform UK. He was later reinstated with a final written warning.
Following his charge, the party suspended him again. He is currently listed as an Independent on the Sunderland City Council website. Reform UK has not confirmed the specific date of the latest suspension or the precise reason for it.