Former GPC chair elected to BMA Council

The BMA has announced the results of its UK Council election, with successful GPs including the former GP Committee chair.

Elected as council members for the 2022-2026 period for general practice are Dr Jackie Applebee and Dr Sam Everington, both of East London; Oxford GP Dr Helen Salisbury; and former GPC chair Dr Richard Vautrey, who practises in Leeds.

The other GP representatives on the list are Dr David Wrigley (North West); Dr Selvaseelan Selvarajah (London); Dr Paul Evans (North East); Dr Alan Stout (Northern Ireland); Dr Iain Kennedy (Scotland); Dr Gaurav Gupta (South East Coast); and Dr Shan Hussain (ethnic minority).

A total of 68 members across medical specialities were elected to represent the profession, with their four-year tenures commencing in June.

Over 220 BMA members had put themselves forward – the trade union’s highest ever figure.

As well as this, the BMA shared its ‘pride’ at today’s intake being the ‘most ethnically diverse council in BMA history’. Over a third (35%) of those voted in identify as ethnic minority – in 2018, the total stood at 12%. Additionally, 38% of the new cohort identify as a woman – a 0.5% increase from last time.

Overall, the majority (55%) are new to the BMA council.

Civica, the independent election scrutineer that counted the ballots, produced the certified report on the results.

Some of the new GP representatives have taken to social media to share their thanks to those congratulating them. East London GP Dr Selvarajah thanked ‘everyone who has supported us’, and acknowledged the ‘very challenging’ present landscape. He hinted that ‘pay restoration’ is among his priorities.

Meanwhile, Dr Hussain, of Nottingham, also vowed to do his ‘very best’.

And Dr Evans promised to try to achieve good for medical students and doctors alike, noting that ‘happy doctors’ equates to ‘better care’.

Others, such as London GP Dr Toni Hazell, shared their high expectations with the successful contenders.

The Eastern region still has a vacancy, with the BMA explaining that there were ‘insufficient nominations received to satisfy the gender constraints’. It continued: ‘A by-election will therefore be held for candidates who identify as women or non-binary’.

Dr Vautrey resigned from the GPC chair post in November last year.