Crossword Genius

Boris's once sober occasion? (12,5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

conservative party

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

'boris's' is the definition.
Both the answer and definition are singular nouns.
Perhaps they are linked in a way I don't understand?

'sober occasion?' is the wordplay.
I cannot quite understand how this works, but
'occasion?' could be 'party' (party is a kind of occasion) and 'party' is present in the answer.
The remaining letters 'conservative' is a valid word which might be clued in a way I don't understand.
This explanation may well be incorrect...

'once' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for conservative party that I've seen before include "political group" , "the blues" .)

I've seen this clue in The Guardian.
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