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| BMA chairman quits in letter row | BMA chairman quits in letter row |
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| The chairman of the British Medical Association (BMA) has resigned following a dispute with colleagues over a letter to a national newspaper. | The chairman of the British Medical Association (BMA) has resigned following a dispute with colleagues over a letter to a national newspaper. |
| James Johnson, chairman for almost four years, said his early resignation was prompted by unhappiness within the BMA. | James Johnson, chairman for almost four years, said his early resignation was prompted by unhappiness within the BMA. |
| He said his letter to the Times about problems with the appointment system for junior doctors was written without the consultation of senior colleagues. | He said his letter to the Times about problems with the appointment system for junior doctors was written without the consultation of senior colleagues. |
| BMA treasurer Dr David Pickersgill said colleagues had lost confidence in him. | BMA treasurer Dr David Pickersgill said colleagues had lost confidence in him. |
| Mr Johnson, a vascular surgeon in the north-west of England, wrote the letter with Dame Carol Black, chairman of the Academy of Medical Royal Colleges. | |
| Dr Pickersgill said: "While it [the letter] reflected the association's agreed position of working towards a pragmatic solution for this year, its tone failed to reflect the anger being currently expressed by members of the association, particularly junior doctors. | |
| "It was felt to be insufficiently sensitive and has led to a loss of confidence in the chairman." | |
| Confirming his resignation on Sunday, Mr Johnson said he had intended not to seek re-election in June for a fifth and final year of office, but he was now leaving early because of "unhappiness" over the letter. | |
| He said he had written it "without consulting my senior BMA colleagues". | |
| It had been a "tremendous privilege to serve my colleagues through the BMA", he said, adding that he wished his successor and the association well. | |
| The BMA said it would now consider the process for electing a new chairman. |