The BBC analysis shows for every permanent GP there are more than 2,300 patients - an increase of nearly 350 since 2015.

In addition, the analysis of NHS data shows the areas struggling the most have list sizes exceeding 3,000 patients, nearly double those with the most doctors.

The areas with the most patients per GP were: Thurrock (3,431), Leicester (3,262), Blackburn with Darwen (3,218), Luton and Milton Keynes (3,033), and Portsmouth 3,010

This compared with Wirral and Stockport, which both have fewer than 1,850.

Prof Kamila Hawthorne, who chairs the Royal College of GPs, told the organisation's annual conference: 'Our latest research reveals that GP practices with the highest levels of income deprivation have far greater numbers of patients to care for than in most affluent areas.

'More worrying, where the need is greatest, we have uncovered evidence of how much worse that GP to patient ratio has become.'

In response, NHS Confederation primary care director Ruth Rankine, said: 'These findings are worrying, but sadly not surprising given what we know about the lack of GP provision in many areas of the country.

'It is clear that while the whole primary care sector is facing rising demand the impact is not spread evenly across the country, with GPs in the most deprived areas having the biggest caseloads of often the most complex patients.'

The analysis also shows the number of permanent GPs, excluding locums and trainees, is just over 1,000 lower, at 27,193 full-time equivalents, than in 2015.

However, the numbers in training have increased and the Government has pledged to boost that further, while getting pharmacists to treat minor health problems.

Professor Hawthorne added: 'Investing in primary care makes sense for a government committed to the NHS, to financial responsibility and to economic growth. The new health secretary Wes Streeting is quite right when he describes us as the front door of the NHS, and we're encouraged by the new Government's commitment to primary care – but will we need more than fine words.

'We need action that starts right now. In return, we can deliver the reforms the Government is asking for – GPs have always been versatile and innovative, but the Government must work in partnership with us and allow us, ‘as eyes on the ground', to contribute to the plans for the NHS.'

In response, a spokesperson for the Department of Health and Social Care told the BBC: 'This government is determined to work with the NHS to fix the front door of our health service and ensure everyone can access GP services.'