Discredit backing for party leader's platform (6)

I believe the answer is:

podium

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'platform' is the definition.
(I know that podium is a type of platform)

I don't understand how the remainder of the clue works.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for podium that I've seen before include "Speaker's platform" , "Small platform for speaker" , "Winners' platform" , "Stage" , "'Rostrum, dais (6)'" .)

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.

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