Artist 'taking legal advice' over Tories' use of Andy Burnham portrait
Illustrator Stanley Chow is seeking legal advice after the Conservative Party used his portrait of Andy Burnham on promotional water bottles without permission. Chow argues this is a clear case of copyright infringement, following similar unauthorized use by Reform UK.
Why it matters
This highlights the ongoing tension between political campaigning and intellectual property rights for independent artists.
Image source, PA Media Image caption, Bottles of water poking fun at Andy Burnham were handed out at the Conservative Party conference
An artist has said he is taking legal advice after accusing the Conservative Party of copying his cartoon image of Andy Burnham at their party conference.
People attending the party's conference in Birmingham have been handed water bottles featuring the image and labelled "Bottler Burnham", "0% strength".
Labour supporter Stanley Chow, who created the portrait for Burnham's 2021 mayoral campaign in Greater Manchester, has claimed the party did not ask for permission to use the image.
A Conservative Party spokeswoman said the bottles were were not on sale and merely handed out to attending media in "goody bags".
Manchester illustrator Chow said: "I was stunned and angry when I saw what they had done. It is childish from them. I am taking legal advice.
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