Former cabinet-maker and roofer (8)

I believe the answer is:

thatcher

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'roofer' is the definition.
(thatcher is a kind of roofer)

I don't understand how the rest of the clue works.

(Other definitions for thatcher that I've seen before include "18's predecessor" , "Margaret --, PM" , "Prime minister as roof-worker" , "Stateswoman" , "Former British PM" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.

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