Crossword Genius

Conservative old city has centre overturned (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

tory

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

'conservative' is the definition.
(informal term for a Conservative Party member)

'old city has centre overturned' is the wordplay.
I cannot really understand how this works, but
'old' could be 'o' (abbreviation) and 'o' is present in the answer.
The remaining letters 'try' is a valid word which might be clued in a way I don't see.
This explanation may well be incorrect...

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for tory that I've seen before include "English Conservative politician or Donegal island" , "Traditionalist" , "Politician; tyro (anag.)" , "Opponent of 8 Down and 14 Across, partner of 14 Down?" , "A British Conservative" .)

I've seen this clue in The Irish Times.
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