For the first time ever the leader of a mental health trust has been named HSJ’s top chief executive for 2021, and in a surprising turn of events, three former top-table leaders have fallen out of the top 50 altogether. Why their fall from grace?

And was it an act of utter hubris or just plain posturing? We discuss the health secretary’s suggestion the new NHS bill would give him the power to veto senior NHS board appointments. It turns out, this was not quite the case.

We also touch on the swinging pendulum of power between the DHSC and the NHS and why the Chorley reconfiguration row is a red herring.

Also discussed: the ‘lumpy’ vaccine supply and Dominic Cummings turning on the DHSC.

Featuring Sharon Brennan, Annabelle Collins, Alastair McLellan and Dave West.