Reform UK is facing intense scrutiny and accusations of failing to “call out clear racism” after its deputy leader declined to explicitly condemn remarks reportedly made by a newly elected councillor.
Glenn Gibbins, who was elected as a Reform councillor in Sunderland in this week’s local elections, posted on social media in 2024, complaining about the “amount of Nigerians in town”.
“Should melt them all down and fill in the pot holes!!” he wrote in a later-deleted post, according to campaign group Hope Not Hate.
Reform deputy leader Richard Tice refused to directly criticise Mr Gibbins on Sunday, instead accusing the media of “smearing” Nigel Farage’s party.
When pressed on whether he was comfortable with such views representing the party, Mr Tice told the BBC’s Sunday With Laura Kuenssberg programme: “This weekend we are celebrating our incredible successes. Like any party, we have internal party processes to look where people have said or done the wrong thing.”
He added: “I condemn everything that is wrong and inappropriate. Voters have heard all of this smearing and this sneering against all of us, and they have voted for more Reform.”
Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson, appearing on the same programme, described the incident as an example of “the kind of racism and division” Reform introduces into politics.
A Labour Party spokesperson went further, stating: “It’s utterly grotesque that Reform can’t even call out clear racism. It speaks volumes that Richard Tice tried to brush off these comments. And it speaks volumes that Nigel Farage refused to sack him as a candidate and is now happy to have him represent Reform as a councillor.
“They’re both a disgrace. Labour is the only party that will stand up to the division of Reform.”
Tice was also asked on Sunday’s show about the previously undeclared £5 million gift that Nigel Farage received from a party donor, and appeared unable to confirm the Reform leader did not use any of the money for campaigning.
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