Content to snog a Tory backing southern region (5)

I believe the answer is:

otago

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'southern region' is the definition.
'otago' can be an answer for 'region' (I have seen 'distant region' mean 'otago' so perhaps 'region' could also mean 'otago'). I am not sure about the 'southern' bit.

'content to snog a tory backing' is the wordplay.
'content' indicates a hidden word (I've seen 'contents of' mean this).
'backing' says the letters should be written in reverse.
'ogato' is hidden in the letters of 'snog a tory'.
'ogato' reversed gives 'OTAGO'.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for otago that I've seen before include "place in New Zealand" , "District around Dunedin" , "Kiwi region" , "Dunedin's district" , "NZ province" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.

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