In a 52% turnout of 35,0000 members, three-quarters of the vote backed a walk out. 

BMA consultants committee co-chairs Dr Helen Neary and Dr Shanu Datta said: ‘This is a clear message from consultants in England that they are not willing to tolerate the continued attack on their pay and professional value, and that, if necessary, they are willing to act.

‘Consultants are the most senior and expert doctors working in hospitals, but by failing to recognise and support them to be the best clinical leaders, working tirelessly to improve care for patients, we risk losing them. The impact this would have on an already struggling NHS would be dire and it is something the public are clearly very concerned about – so why are our politicians not worried too?

‘With a new Prime Minister taking charge in a few weeks' time, action now to avoid both the exodus of consultants and more industrial action by doctors in England is something that the Government needs at the top of its in-tray.

‘No strikes need to take place if the Government addresses these issues, but we now have a mandate that consultants are prepared to use if it does not act.'

Sir Ciarán Devane, chief executive of The NHS Alliance, said: ‘Health leaders will be disappointed that senior doctors have voted in favour of potential industrial action and now have a mandate to strike over the next twelve months. Should they go ahead, any walkouts by consultants would once again impact the delivery of vital services and patient care.

‘Whilst NHS leaders acknowledge their concerns, they would urge senior doctors to get around the table and engage in meaningful dialogue to resolve these without hitting patient care again.'

Health and social care secretary, James Murray said: ‘Consultants are some of the highest paid public sector staff, and among the top 2% of earners in the country.  

‘After a 28.5% increase in basic starting pay over the last four years and with the average consultant now earning over £152,000 a year, there is simply no justification for strikes that will cause disruption to patients and the NHS.  

‘Consultants are an invaluable part of the NHS workforce, and we have been working closely with them to improve job planning and modernise their contracts. Strikes would only get in the way of this important work.

‘I urge the BMA and all consultants not to rush into another cycle of unnecessary and disruptive industrial action, and instead work with the government to improve the working lives of senior doctors.'

The move came after resident doctors accepted their pay offer last month.