Leadership challenge at British Medical Association

The leader of the doctors' union could be toppled as another medic makes a bid for leadership of the British Medical Association (BMA).

Dr JS Bamrah is attempting to overthrow Dr Mark Porter as leader of the professional association.

Dr Porter has been chairman of council of the BMA for four years but some council members are now calling for a change in leadership.

The move comes after protracted issues with the junior doctors' contract.

The BMA's council, which is made up of 34 members, will vote on Thursday whether or not to elect Dr Bamrah as chair of council or keep Dr Porter in post for one more year.

The post holder has a guaranteed place for three years but can then be challenged. They can only remain in post for a maximum of five years.

Consultant psychiatrist Dr Bamrah is medical director of Manchester Mental Health and Social Care Trust and has held senior positions at both the BMA and the Royal College of Psychiatrists for more than two decades.