Act as party leader, unlike a minister (4)
I believe the answer is:
play
'act as' is the definition.
(synonyms)
I don't understand the rest of the clue.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for play that I've seen before include "Have fun -- theatrical work" , "Stage work" , "Drama - latitude - sport" , "Scope - entertainment" , "Theatrical production" .)