Manchester-based illustrator Stanley Chow, known for his work with The New Yorker, has announced he is consulting with lawyers regarding the unauthorized use of his artwork by the Conservative Party. The controversy stems from the party's distribution of water bottles to journalists during their recent conference, which featured a cartoon of Andy Burnham alongside the slogan “bottler Burnham.”

Chow originally created the portrait for campaign materials used during the Makerfield byelection earlier this June. According to the artist, the Conservative Party did not seek his permission or provide compensation before repurposing the image for their conference materials. Chow has publicly stated that he is currently taking legal advice and is considering formal legal action against the party for the unauthorized use of his intellectual property.

While the Conservative Party has not yet issued a formal public response to the artist's claims, the incident has raised questions regarding the use of creative works in political campaigning. The dispute highlights the tension between political messaging and the copyright protections afforded to independent artists. As of now, the situation remains a private legal matter between the illustrator and the party organization.