He has voted in favour of the new consultants' contract. He tells BBC News Online why.

Dr Borman will be one of the winners if the new contract for consultants is introduced.

Like many doctors across the UK, he works longer than he is supposed to, mostly without extra pay.

Under the terms of the new deal, the amount of time he spends at work will fall. Any overtime will be paid.

This is a really good opportunity for consultants to improve their working conditions and the pay they receive.

"Under the new contract my out-of-hours commitment will be recognised and remunerated," he says.

"The new contract will also enable me to get a grip on the number of hours I work each week.

"I already work more hours than I would be required to do under the new contract.

"It would also provide recognition for all the time I put into the NHS."

Dr Borman will not be affected by the new contract's restrictions on practising in the private sector.

"I do virtually no private work," he says.

Objections 'unjustified'

Dr Borman believes that many of his colleagues' objections to the new contract are misguided.

Some consultants believe the deal gives NHS managers too much power and threatens their independence.

I do not honestly think we will have an opportunity to take a deal of this nature much further

Others have objected to plans to get some doctors to work evenings and weekends, saying it the policy is not family-friendly.

"I have heard the concerns from many of my colleagues. In most cases, I think that these are unlikely to be justifiable," says Dr Borman.

"Some consultants will be willing to work weekends and evenings. Others will not. But I think it will be a short-sighted employer who forces a consultant to work weekends or evenings.

"In addition, some consultants should look more closely at their current contract.

"Managers already have many of the powers some consultants are complaining about."

Dr Borman was elected deputy chairman of the BMA's consultants' committee to bring what he says is a "new approach" to the contract.

But he insists his position on the committee has not coloured his views on the contract.

"I think this is a really good opportunity for consultants to improve their working conditions and the pay they receive. It is potentially a win for all sides."

He warns that it may also be best deal the BMA may be able to get from the government.

"I do not honestly think we will have an opportunity to take a deal of this nature much further with the Department of Health."