Crossword Genius

Ally of Liberal abandoning party in iffy seat (9)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

associate

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'ally' is the definition.
(I know that ally is a more specific form of the action associate)

'of liberal abandoning party in iffy seat' is the wordplay.
I cannot quite understand how this works, but
'of' could be 'o' and 'o' is found in the answer.
'seat' could be 'ass' (synonyms) and 'ass' is found in the answer.
This explanation may well be incorrect...

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for associate that I've seen before include "Hobnob" , "Not having full status" , "Make a logical or causal connection" , "Make a connection or affiliate" , "Partner in work or business" .)

I've seen this clue in The Guardian.
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