Crossword Genius

Conservative thug shows political muscle? (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

clout

'political muscle?' is the definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)

'conservative thug' is the wordplay.
'conservative' becomes 'C' (UK political abbreviation).
'thug' becomes 'lout'.
'c'+'lout'='CLOUT'

'shows' is the link.

(Other definitions for clout that I've seen before include "hit hard" , "Influence or power" , "Political influence - flat-headed nail" , "Swipe" , "Punch; influence" .)

I've seen this clue in The Sun.
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