Labour Criticizes Tories Over "Bottler Burnham" Merchandise

The Conservative Party has drawn criticism from the Labour Party for using a cartoon image of Andy Burnham, labeled "Bottler Burnham," on merchandise distributed at their recent conference in Birmingham. The water bottles, described as "0 per cent strength" and "bottled under pressure from Badenoch," were among several items mocking political opponents.

Lucy Powell, Labour's deputy leader, stated on social media that the image on the bottle label infringes the copyright of illustrator Stanley Chow. Powell asserted that the bottles were created without authorization to reproduce Chow's work. The artist himself indicated that he would be seeking legal advice, calling the Conservatives' use of his image "shameful."

Mention of the water bottles and other conference merchandise:

Chow originally created the image of Burnham during the latter's time as Greater Manchester mayor, inspired by a dispute between Burnham and the Boris Johnson government over COVID-19 restrictions in late 2020. The artwork was later used by the Labour Party during Burnham's successful Makerfield by-election campaign. Previously, Reform UK removed campaign materials featuring Chow's image after he threatened legal action over its use.

Chow had updated the artwork to depict Burnham in a suit outside 10 Downing Street to commemorate his first day as Prime Minister in July. In a social media post, Chow stated, "It seems like @Conservatives have been using my artwork without my permission at their conference party. Regardless of whatever your political allegiances are, it's still copyright infringement... I'll be seeking legal advice."

Speaking to the Manchester Evening News, Chow commented, "They should have known and done their due diligence really before stealing someone's image and using it for something as childish as what they have done." He added that he plans to consult with a lawyer to determine his next steps. He noted that he had previously licensed the image to the Labour Party, stating, "it was okay for them" to use it.

Chow also expressed that some artists are hesitant to pursue legal action against unauthorized use of their work due to the expense and complexity. He described the situation as "a case of calling the Tory party out" and said it was important to make people aware that their actions were wrong.

Lucy Powell's complaint about the image usage:

Other merchandise distributed to Conservative conference delegates included a mock letter to Reform UK leader Nigel Farage, referencing a controversy over donations.

A Conservative official responded to the criticism by stating, "Burnham may flash his lashes at Labour conference, but the Tories are chowing down on the real meat: honesty about the problems facing Britain and The Right Way to solve them."