Bitter Conservative in dry surroundings (5)

I believe the answer is:

acrid

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'bitter' is the definition.
(I know that bitter can be written as acrid)

'conservative in dry surroundings' is the wordplay.
'conservative' becomes 'C' (UK political abbreviation).
'in dry' becomes 'arid' (similar in meaning. I am not sure about the 'in' bit.).
'surroundings' is an insertion indicator.
'c' going within 'arid' is 'ACRID'.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for acrid that I've seen before include "Stinging" , "Tart" , "Sharp - biting" , "Strong and sharp-smelling" , "Strong and sharp" .)

I've seen this clue in The Daily Express.

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