Manchester-based illustrator Stanley Chow is taking legal advice after the Conservative Party used his portrait of Andy Burnham at their party conference without seeking his consent, according to the artist's account. The party distributed water bottles and sweets featuring the image to attendees at the Birmingham conference, with labels including "Bottler Burnham" and "0% strength."
Chow, who created the original portrait for Burnham's 2021 mayoral campaign in Greater Manchester, has accused the Conservatives of copyright infringement. He told media outlets that he was "stunned and angry" upon discovering the use of his work.
"I was stunned and angry when I saw what they had done. It is childish from them. I am taking legal advice,"Chow said.
The Conservative Party's response differs from Chow's account. A party spokeswoman stated that the bottles were not sold commercially but merely distributed to attending media in "goody bags." However, according to reporting from the time, the bottle design reportedly added longer eyelashes to the portrait and included additional text reading "Bottled under pressure from Badenoch." A Conservative source claimed the drawing was created by the party's own designers, contradicting Chow's allegation of unauthorised use.
What does Chow say about the copyright claim?
Chow emphasised that the issue extends beyond party politics.
"I'm very disappointed. It's frustrating that an institution like the Conservative Party has no idea that they are infringing copyright,"he stated. He explained that he had licensed the image to Labour, and that publications including the Manchester Evening News and other magazines had also obtained licences to use it.
The artist said he emailed the Conservatives and would welcome an apology, according to separate reporting.
"I can't quite believe the Tories are resorting to this too. Regardless of your political allegiance, what the Tories have done is still copyright infringement,"Chow said, referencing an earlier dispute with another party.
Has this happened before?
This is not the first time Chow has faced unauthorised use of his Burnham portrait. Reform UK used the image in AI-generated social media campaign posts a few months earlier. In June 2026, Chow's lawyers sent Reform UK a letter of claim seeking at least £5,000 in damages and a public statement, according to legal reporting. Reform UK removed the posts but stated it did so "in good faith and without any admission of liability on our part."
Chow's legal team indicated that the Reform dispute could lead to an injunction, compensation and a public apology. Labour deputy leader Lucy Powell also publicly complained about the Conservatives' use of the image, stating it was reproduced without copyright permission.
Why does Chow say this matters?
The artist framed the dispute as part of a broader concern affecting the creative industry.
"Ultimately, I want to raise awareness that you can't just take someone else's artwork and do what you want with it. I want to show other artists that when this does happen, you can make a stand, especially in this day and age where artists are struggling, because of AI and the cost of living,"Chow said.
Chow's portrait of Burnham has been used extensively by the politician across multiple campaigns. It was recently deployed when Burnham, now Prime Minister, stood for election in Makerfield in June 2026.
Who is Stanley Chow?
Chow is a Manchester-based illustrator well-known for his portraits of public figures and celebrities. A Manchester United supporter, he has created images of footballers including Wayne Rooney, Edgar Davids and Ronaldinho. He has also drawn Eric Cantona and presented a portrait of Sir Alex Ferguson to the former Manchester United manager.
Beyond sports figures, Chow has exhibited a series of portraits titled "Great Northerners," which featured actress Maxine Peake, suffragette leader Emmeline Pankhurst and poet Lemn Sissay. He recently curated an art trail for the Brit Awards' arrival in Manchester, turning streets into a gallery space.
Key Facts
- Stanley Chow created the original Burnham portrait for the politician's 2021 mayoral campaign in Greater Manchester
- The Conservatives distributed water bottles and sweets featuring the image at their Birmingham conference without seeking Chow's permission, according to the artist
- Chow's lawyers previously sent Reform UK a letter of claim in June 2026 over unauthorised use of the same portrait, seeking £5,000 in damages
- The artist has licensed the image to Labour and to publications including the Manchester Evening News
- Chow is pursuing legal advice regarding the Conservative Party's use and has indicated he would welcome an apology
