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 . Reform UK deputy leader Richard Tice and leader Nigel Farage (Jacob King/PA) (PA Wire) 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.…