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 Dr Buckman appealed against votes of no confidence in the government and motions rallying against health secretary Alan Johnson and health minister Lord Ara Darzi.

After a rousing opening speech, Dr Buckman was jeered by delegates in the first moment of real debate at this year's conference.

 ‘We don't do personal,' he said. ‘I hate the policy but he is doing his job, delivering policy for the government. I council some caution before attacking his person.'

But Dr Eric Rose, representing Buckinghamshire LMC, ensured the motions were passed.

‘To say it is his job is not an excuse,' he claimed. ‘When someone bullies me into choosing from two bad options and bullies me into retirement, it is personal!' 

 All previous motions had been unanimously passed, asking that holistic, personal, list-based and continuing care was what patients want, as had the motion inviting the government to realise how cheaply GPs provide their service.

Other early motions passed unanimously were that the threats posed to general practice were unprecedented, and demanding that changes in primary care are evidence-based.

Conference chairwoman Dr Fay Wilson chuckled: ‘It's been a balanced debate so far.' 

tom.ireland@haymarket.com