Sore Throat With Severe Pain While Swallowing. Painful Right Gland In Neck. Ulcer On Soft Palate.

Hi,
I am in my fifties and have had persistent sore throat on right side for seven weeks with severe pain swallowing, and intermittent pain in right ear and slightly enlarged but very painful right gland in neck. i get intermittent dry cough if air hits right side of throat and my voice is intermittently croaky. Swallowing pain is worse at night. If I drink cold drinks they cause a burning and scratchy sensation on the right side of throat. I had a visible ulcer on soft palate for about a week but that seems to have disappeared but all symptoms remain. I have no signs of a cold and my mouth is not dry - if anything, there is more saliva than normal at back of throat. Have seen GP four times. Should I insist on urgent ENT referrral? Had throat swab at week 2 - negative, but no other tests. The constant pain is really getting me down and I feel very tired.