Full Breakdown
Conservative Party’s Unauthorized Use of Stanley Chow’s Andy Burnham Cartoon Sparks Legal Threat
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event
At the Conservative Party Conference in Birmingham, attendees received goodie bags that included reusable water bottles and small tubs of sweets emblazoned with the slogan “Bottler Burnham.” Both items displayed a stylised portrait of Prime Minister Andy Burnham that closely mirrors the geometric illustration created by Manchester-based illustrator Stanley Chow. The merchandise was distributed to journalists on the conference’s opening day, and the image appeared on the water bottles with minor alterations such as lengthened eyelashes. Chow discovered the giveaway on 4 October 2026 and announced on Instagram that he would seek legal advice over the unauthorised use of his work.
Background & Context
Chow’s portrait of Burnham originated as a commissioned piece for the Labour Party during Burnham’s mayoral tenure and later featured prominently in the Labour campaign for the Makerfield by-election in the summer of 2026. The illustration has become a recognizable symbol of Burnham’s public persona, even serving as the prime minister’s profile picture on social media. Earlier in the year, Chow’s counsel warned Reform UK that the party’s use of the same image in an anti-immigration advert breached his copyright; Reform UK subsequently removed the material, citing “fair use” while offering no admission of liability.
Official Statements & Responses
He added that the Conservative Party had not responded to his written inquiry.
The Conservative Party has been contacted for comment but has not issued a public response at the time of writing.
Criticism & Opposition
Legal experts argue that the party’s distribution of merchandise featuring Chow’s work without a licensing agreement violates UK copyright law, which protects the creator’s exclusive right to reproduce and authorise adaptations of their artwork. Chow himself has framed the dispute as a broader issue for freelance illustrators, noting that many lack the resources to challenge well-funded organisations.
Data & Statistics
- Date of discovery: 4 October 2026 (occurred).
- Items involved: reusable water bottles and confectionery tubs bearing the altered cartoon.
Verbatim Quotes
- “When it appeared up on Sky News they were having a laugh and a joke about it, I thought, hang on, they have done this without telling me? I am peeved.” — Andy Burnham. Stanley Chow — Stanley Chow, illustrator
- “It seems like @conservatives have been using my artwork without my permission at their conference party,” — Andy Burnham. Stanley Chow — Stanley Chow, illustrator
- “The fact is I licensed it to the Labour Party and it was okay for them to use,” — Andy Burnham. Stanley Chow — Stanley Chow, illustrator
- “You’ve got to do what you’ve got to do,” — Andy Burnham. Stanley Chow — Stanley Chow, illustrator
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
No official statement from the Conservative Party has been released, leaving the party’s position on the alleged infringement unverified. Additionally, while Reform UK’s removal of its own infringing material was confirmed, the party did not acknowledge whether the “fair use” claim applied to the Conservative merchandise.
What’s Next
Chow has retained intellectual-property solicitors to explore possible legal remedies, including an injunction to halt further distribution of the water bottles and a claim for damages. The outcome will hinge on whether the party can demonstrate a licensing agreement or a valid defence under UK copyright law.