Glenn Gibbins, a member of Sunderland City Council, will appear in court in August
A Reform councillor has been charged with posting a grossly offensive message on social media.
Glenn Gibbins, of Sunderland City Council, allegedly made the post, which referenced the Nigerian community, in 2024.
Northumbria Police said that he has been charged with an offence under the Communications Act 2003.
The 66-year-old, from Sunderland, is due to appear before South Tyneside Magistrates’ Court on 21 August.
The force said that it was alerted to the post in May this year.
It has now submitted a file to the Crown Prosecution Service, which has authorised a charge.
A Northumbria Police spokesperson 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.”
Gibbins was suspended by Reform but was later reinstated, according to reports.