Contingent around politician (4)
I believe the answer is:
camp
'contingent' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both groups as well as being singular nouns.
Perhaps there's an association between them I don't understand?
'around politician' is the wordplay.
'around' becomes 'ca' (circa).
'politician' becomes 'MP' (Member of Parliament).
'ca'+'mp'='CAMP'
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for camp that I've seen before include "Hill fort; extravagantly theatrical" , "Affected - group of tents" , "group of supporters" , "Bloc" , "party supporters" .)