Democratic leader recalled some secret sin: "I'm emir", perhaps? (5,8)
I believe the answer is:
prime minister
'democratic leader' is the definition.
'prime minister' can be an answer for 'leader' (prime minister is a kind of leader). I'm not sure about the 'democratic' bit.
'recalled some secret sin i'm emir perhaps?' is the wordplay.
'recalled' is a reversal indicator (to recall can mean to bring something back).
'some' says the answer is hidden in the clue (some parts of the word are used).
'retsinimemirp' is hidden in the letters of 'secret sin im emir perhaps'.
'retsinimemirp' written backwards gives 'PRIME MINISTER'.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for prime minister that I've seen before include "PM" , "Law once in UK" , "Head of state" , "Premier to brief clergyman" , "Government leader" .)