Former Finnish Deputy Prime Minister Timo Soini has offered advice to Reform UK, drawing parallels with his own political career in Finland. Speaking to GB News, Soini shared insights from his 35-year political journey, including 20 years as a party leader.
"We started out of nothing and ended up as the second biggest party," Soini said, reflecting on his experience in Finnish politics.
He urged Reform UK to "listen to the people and dare to dream and go for the big victory", even in the face of dismissal and scepticism.
Soini's comments come as Reform UK seeks to establish itself as a major political force in Britain.Soini emphasised the importance of ambitious rhetoric for Reform UK's success.
The ex-Finland Deputy PM has offered words of wisdom to Nigel Farage
GB NEWS
"If you have the rhetoric of a small party, you end up as a small party," he warned.
He suggested that Nigel Farage should aim high, even for the role of Prime Minister.
"Somebody can think that is quite outrageous to achieve a goal, to be the prime minister of the UK for Nigel Farage, but that is the only aim he has to go far," Soini stated.
This advice aligns with Farage's recent comments at the Reform UK conference, where he claimed the party could "win the next general election".
Timo Soini spoke to Tom Harwood on GB News
GB NEWS
Soini's observations of the Reform UK conference echoed his experiences in Finland.
"I have been out here in the UK for two days and it reminds me of party congresses back home," he noted.
He highlighted the enthusiasm of attendees, saying, "Those people want meaning in their lives and they want to be part of something."
This sentiment aligns with reports from the recent Reform UK conference in Birmingham, which attracted about 4,000 people.
Nigel Farage speaking at the Reform party conferenceGB NewsThe Guardian described the event as featuring "repeated attacks on immigration, diversity and green policies", reflecting the party's populist stance.
Farage's speech focused on professionalising the party and expanding its local presence.
Soini emphasised the importance of political dreams for ordinary people.
"It's important to try for bigger things because ordinary people, they have to win their bread daily, they have their troubles and they all have aspirations and dreams," he said.
He concluded, "It is good to have a dream. A political dream."
