Cut short takeover, as can't ignore head resident (8)
I believe the answer is:
occupant
'resident' is the definition.
('occupant' can be a synonym of 'resident')
I don't understand the rest of the clue.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for occupant that I've seen before include "Person residing in a property" , "Tenant - resident" , "Inmate" , "One in residence" , "Inhabitant, resident" .)