Dr David Jenner, NHS Alliance contract lead and a Devon GP, says that both Conservative and Labour health policy is moving towards merging the PMS and GMS contracts.

‘I am certain that the Tories are going to do that,' he said. ‘With Labour, you can see the process happening with the instructions to vary and cut back PMS contracts.

‘My understanding of the policy direction is that the difference between GMS and PMS is no longer justifiable.'

LMC representatives have carried conference motions backing unifying the contracts.

GPC chairman Dr Laurence Buckman said it would be preferable to have one contract, but added: ‘It depends on how they were unified, so that everyone is happy with it.'

But Dr Jenner said in a hung parliament, major reform to GP contracts could stall if parties disagree on key points.

‘There is consensus among the parties for the need for reform in certain areas - practice boundaries, opening hours, and the urgent care number.

‘But major contractual negotiations will be very difficult without a clear consensus,' he said.

‘A hung parliament will produce less radical options. Proposing something that will close small practices, or change hospital services, will be much less likely if politicians have to go to the public again in less than a year.'

• Read the full story in this week's GP newspaper dated 23 April

• Click here for our Election 2010 news coverage