The Burnham ad dispute has sparked a fresh political row after Reform UK removed campaign advertisements that featured artwork linked to Andy Burnham. The controversy emerged during the heated Makerfield by-election campaign and has quickly attracted legal attention.
Reform UK withdrew the adverts after receiving legal correspondence from representatives of illustrator Stanley Chow. The artist’s legal team argues that the party used and altered his artwork without permission.
According to the complaint, the disputed material appeared across several social media platforms. The images reportedly showed a group of people in a small boat carrying banners that displayed Burnham’s portrait.
Lawyers acting for Chow claim the party edited the original artwork and used it in a political context without consent. They argue that the use of the image breached copyright protections.
The legal team has reportedly demanded a public apology. In addition, they have asked for recognition of Chow’s ownership rights over the artwork.
The dispute centres on a portrait that has featured prominently in Burnham’s by-election campaign. Supporters have used the image throughout the Greater Manchester mayor’s effort to secure a return to Westminster. Recent polling suggests Burnham holds a lead in the Makerfield contest. The campaign has drawn national attention because many political observers view the seat as highly significant for Labour’s future.
Chow expressed frustration over the use of his work. He said the adverts linked his artwork to messages that do not reflect his personal beliefs or intentions. The illustrator explained that he originally created the portrait to represent positive ideas connected to Manchester and Burnham’s vision. He argued that political groups should not use creative work without permission.
Furthermore, the legal complaint reportedly seeks financial compensation. Reports indicate that lawyers have outlined a minimum claim of several thousand pounds. The complaint also calls for public statements across Reform UK’s digital platforms. Those statements would acknowledge the artist’s rights and the alleged infringement.
For its part, Reform UK rejected suggestions that it acted improperly. Party representatives stated that they believe their use of the material falls within fair-use principles. However, the party decided to remove the content while the dispute continues. A spokesperson said the decision does not represent any admission of liability.
The Burnham ad dispute now adds another layer of tension to an already closely watched by-election campaign. Political parties increasingly rely on digital content and visual messaging to reach voters. As a result, disputes over intellectual property and online campaign material continue to attract greater scrutiny. The outcome of this disagreement could influence how parties approach artwork and digital assets during future election campaigns.
For now, both sides remain firm in their positions as the legal disagreement develops alongside the high-profile Makerfield race.
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