Crossword Genius

A contemptible person on a hill who appeals to the mob? (8)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

agitator

'who appeals to the mob?' is the definition.
(someone agitating a mob of people)

'a contemptible person on a hill' is the wordplay.
'contemptible person' becomes 'git' (git can mean an annoying person).
'on' is a charade indicator (letters next to each other).
'hill' becomes 'tor' (tor is a kind of hill).
'a'+'git'+'a'+'tor'='AGITATOR'

(Other definitions for agitator that I've seen before include "Rabble-rouser - blender" , "One fomenting trouble" , "One stirring up (things)" , "Fomenter of unrest" , "Agent provocateur" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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