Bannon, a GP in Barnsley and former deputy chair of GPC England, will succeed outgoing chair Katie Bramall, who opted not to stand for re-election after her three-year term ended.

Bannon said: ‘I am delighted to have been elected chair of GPC England. This is a demanding role at an incredibly challenging time for the profession, but I believe those challenges can be overcome.

‘My focus will be on representing the interests of GPs, improving patient care, transforming general practice and helping to bring together a fractured primary care system. The future of general practice is too important to leave to chance.'

Bannon has been a member of GPC England since 2021. She has served as deputy chair and as its policy lead for clinical and prescribing, and practice business.

She has held various roles in her local area, including within the ICB and local medical committee.