Crossword Genius

Conservative in race debate finally to resign from party (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

secede

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

'party' is the definition.
The definition and answer can be both to do with social activities as well as being verbs in their base form.
Perhaps they are linked in a way I don't understand?

I can't explain the remainder of the clue.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for secede that I've seen before include "Withdraw from a political federation" , "Make a formal withdrawal" , "leave union" , "Withdraw from a body, a nation say" , "Withdraw from, say organisation" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times and The Sunday Times.
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