Associate with Tory type (7)
I believe the answer is:
consort
'associate with' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)
'tory type' is the wordplay.
'tory' becomes 'con' (abbreviation for Conservative).
'type' becomes 'sort' (both can mean a kind or variety).
'con'+'sort'='CONSORT'
(Other definitions for consort that I've seen before include "wife, perhaps" , "Keep company" , "Spouse, partner" , "Companion; ship sailing with another" , "Prince Albert?" .)