Crossword Genius

Don followed him to a new town (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

basil

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'a new town' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are singular nouns, I can't understand how they can define each other.

'don followed him' is the wordplay.
I cannot really see how this works, but
'him' could be 'si' and 'si' is found in the answer.
The remaining letters 'bal' is a valid word which might be clued in a way I don't understand.
This explanation may well be incorrect...

'to' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for basil that I've seen before include "Boy - herb" , "Culinary herb" , "Herb - Mr Fawlty" , "A herb; Cardinal --- Hume" , "Sweet-smelling herb" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
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