Associates with right-wing types (8)
I believe the answer is:
consorts
'associates' is the definition.
(to consort with is to associate or fraternise with)
'with right-wing types' is the wordplay.
'with' says to put letters next to each other.
'right-wing' becomes 'con' (abbreviation for Conservative).
'types' becomes 'sorts' (I've seen this before).
'con'+'sorts' is 'CONSORTS'.
(Other definitions for consorts that I've seen before include "Scorns to mix with royal couples" , "Scorns to mix with royal husbands or wives" , "Hangs out with" , "Partners, companions" .)