After ousting leader, party remains (3)

I believe the answer is:

ash

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'remains' is the definition.
(remains of a fire)

I don't understand the remainder of the clue.

(Other definitions for ash that I've seen before include "Tree; fire residue" , "Variety of tree" , "Grey-barked tree" , "What's left after burning" , "Tree; burned residue" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.

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