The decision to launch the ballot, which came at a meeting of the BMA's England GP Committee (GPCE) on 16 May, followed an 1.9% funding uplift offer for general practice from April, which GPs say could force many closures.

Dr Katie Bramall-Stainer, chair of GPC England at the BMA, said: ‘Today should act as a wake-up call to Government that GPs are ready to stand and fight to protect their practices and patients. 

‘Ministers can stop any further escalation, but until they sit down and take our concerns seriously, we have no choice but to urge members to vote ‘yes' in this ballot and take action to save general practice.'

The move, which came after the contract changes were rejected by almost all GPs, means the ballot will open on 17 June and close on 29 July.

Ruth Rankine, director of the NHS Confederation's primary care network, said: ‘There was much to welcome from this year's GP contract but crucially, the 1.9% uplift for general practice in 2024-25 was never going to be enough and so sadly, it is of no surprise we are in this position where a vote is being put to GPs on whether to stage collective action.'

A Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson said: ‘GPs are at the heart of communities and we hugely value their work. We listened to their feedback and the new contract will provide the biggest reduction of unnecessary bureaucracy in 20 years, while also giving them more autonomy to run local practices.

‘It is disappointing the BMA GP Committee is taking steps towards collective action, instead of waiting for the outcome of this year's Review Body on Doctors' and Dentists' Remuneration where further pay uplifts may be made to their contract.'