 Cummings was later appointed in February 2011 after Coulson’s resignation.In this capacity, Cummings wrote an essay titled "Some thoughts on education and political priorities", about transforming Britain into a "meritocratic technopolis"; the essay was described by "Guardian" journalist Patrick Wintour as "either mad, bad or brilliant – and probably a bit of all three".At the DfE, Cummings became known for his blunt style and "not suffering fools gladly"; he railed against the "blob", the informal alliance of senior civil servants and teachers who, in Cummings's opinion, sought to frustrate his attempts at reform.