Sunderland City Council runs Sunderland's local services as a metropolitan district council in Tyne and Wear.
A Reform UK councillor in Sunderland has been charged under the Communications Act 2003 for a 2024 post referencing the Nigerian community. He is due to appear in South Tyneside Magistrates’ Court on 21 August. The party says it is monitoring the verdict.
The Mirror and Guardian report that Sunderland City Council, now led by Reform UK, has ended its formal partnership with Show Racism the Red Card after 30 years. Critics say the move risks undermining anti-racism education; supporters argue it marks a shift away from politically charged campaigns. The charity warns that funding and school talks may be disrupted.