Stanley Chow Pursues Legal Action Against UK Conservatives Over Unauthorized Burnham Cartoon

Manchester illustrator Stanley Chow, who contributes to the New Yorker, is taking legal advice after the Conservative party used his cartoon of Andy Burnham without permission. Party workers distributed water bottles bearing the slogan "bottler Burnham" above Chow's artwork at the Conservative party conference in Birmingham. Chow learned of the use while watching Sky News, where presenters displayed the bottles on camera. He stated the Conservatives never sought permission, calling it copyright infringement and theft of his artwork. Chow, who created the cartoon for campaign material in the Makerfield byelection earlier in June, said he has written to the party requesting an explanation but received no response, and he wants an apology. He also criticized the joke as childish. Colin Bell, a partner at law firm Brabners, described it as a clear case of copyright infringement, noting the work was used and edited without permission, acknowledgment, or remuneration. Bell said Chow is entitled to an injunction or cease-and-desist undertakings, compensation, and a public apology, and that the firm is advising him to secure redress. Chow has previously clashed with Reform UK, which used his cartoon in an anti-immigration social media attack advert aimed at the prime minister, a stance he does not endorse. The Conservative party has been contacted for comment.