A persistent (and annoying) acolyte (6-2)

I believe the answer is:

hanger-on

(Other definitions for hanger-on that I've seen before include "Social leech" , "Sycophantic associate" , "Persistent follower" , "Unwanted follower or dependant, parasite" , "Someone who tags along" .)

I've seen this clue in The Guardian.

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