The chair of the British Medical Association (BMA) has forcefully rejected accusations that he is orchestrating further industrial action by junior doctors to advance his own political ambitions. This comes as the union announced a fresh five-day strike set to begin in mid-December.
Strike Action and Political Allegations
Dr Tom Dolphin, who leads the doctors' union, spoke out after the BMA confirmed that resident doctors – the term now used for junior doctors – in England will stage another walkout. The strike is scheduled to run from 7am on 17 December until 7am on 22 December.
This will mark the 14th strike by doctors since March 2023, following a similar five-day action last month. The timing has drawn sharp criticism, with Health Secretary Wes Streeting labelling it a "cynical attempt to wreck Christmas".
Questions about Dolphin's motivations arose due to his political background. He has been an active Labour party supporter, acting as an agent for MP Dawn Butler in several general elections and chairing her constituency party. In 2024, he applied to be a Labour parliamentary candidate but was not shortlisted.
"My Political Career Isn't the Relevant Thing Here"
Speaking on BBC Radio 4's Today programme, Dolphin directly addressed the speculation. "My political career isn't the relevant thing here," he stated. "I'm here representing a trade union."
He defended the role of unions in society, citing their historical fight for paid sick leave, maternity leave, and workplace safety. "They're why we've even got the weekend," he added. Dolphin argued that the core issue is resident doctors demanding fair treatment and the opportunity to train and become specialists or GPs in the UK.
"They have repeatedly asked the government for that and they're not being given that opportunity. That's why we're back on strike again," he explained.
Pay Dispute and Training Crisis
The BMA maintains that while pay for resident doctors has increased by almost 30% over the past three years – including a 22% rise under Labour – it is not enough. The union argues doctors need a further 26% increase to restore pay levels eroded since 2008.
Dolphin also highlighted a crisis in training posts, claiming thousands of doctors are being turned away. He said more than 30,000 doctors are competing for roughly 10,000 places this year and called for UK medical graduates to be prioritised.
The planned strike has been met with strong opposition from NHS leaders and the government. Dr Chris Streather, a regional medical director at NHS England, called the action "highly irresponsible", warning it erodes goodwill and could damage public regard for the profession.
Health Secretary Wes Streeting accused the BMA of threatening strikes at the busiest time of year without prior discussion. "My door has always been open," he said. "I stand ready to do a deal that puts patients first this Christmas."
