In a letter in the Times, Cummings’s father-in-law Sir Humphry Wakefield writes:

Sir, On the subject of Priti Patel, I have worked in many long-established offices around the world. Almost invariably, relaxed disciplines have become the norm. I have found it near impossible to change old habits without appearing to “bully”. Throwing chilling water on attempted inspiration is a special skill of department leaders whose relaxed life is under threat.