The duck that stole the show at Labour Party Conference 2026
From the Chancellor to Alastair Campbell, the Purpose Coalition's Andy Burnham rubber duck proved to be one of the unexpected stars of this year's Labour Party Conference.
It might not have been the most conventional political guest at Labour Party Conference 2026, but the Purpose Coalition's Andy Burnham rubber duck certainly made its presence felt!
Andy Birdham and the Chancellor of the Exchequer, The Rt Hon John Healey MP.
Following the huge success of our 2025 Sir Keir Starmer duck, proudly sponsored by e.on next, we decided to continue the tradition this year with Prime Minister Andy Burnham receiving the honour. And it's fair to say that our latest creation was a hit.
Throughout Conference, our Andy Burnham duck found itself rubbing shoulders with some of the biggest names in British politics. The Chancellor of the Exchequer, Transport Secretary and Business Secretary were among the senior politicians happy to pose for photographs with our feathered friend.
The duck also made appearances alongside political commentator Alastair Campbell and North East Mayor Kim McGuinness, as well as numerous other MPs, Ministers, advisers and Conference delegates. It quickly became one of the most sought-after souvenirs of the week, generating smiles, conversations and plenty of photographs.
A little humour, but a serious purpose.
At the Purpose Coalition, our work is focused on bringing businesses, universities, public sector organisations and political leaders together to tackle some of the UK's biggest challenges - from social mobility and economic growth to creating better opportunities for young people.
But we also believe that politics should have room for a little humour.
Our Conference ducks have become a wonderfully light-hearted way of bringing people together, breaking the ice and starting conversations.
What began with our e.on next-sponsored Keir Starmer duck in 2025 is fast becoming something of a Purpose Coalition Conference tradition.
And with this year's Andy Burnham edition proving so popular that ducks have even been spotted changing hands on eBay, it seems their appeal extends well beyond the Conference floor.
Who will make a splash in 2027?
With another successful Labour Party Conference behind us, attention is already turning to Liverpool in 2027. The big question, of course, is which Labour figure should be immortalised in rubber next?
From political heavyweights to much-loved figures from Labour's past, there is certainly no shortage of contenders. One thing is for sure: the Purpose Coalition duck will be back.
Who knows which duck will be swimming up the Mersey in autumn 2027?
Watch this space!
Making a splash with Westminster’s biggest names.
