Every year returning docile accommodating Conservative candidate (9)
I believe the answer is:
applicant
'candidate' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)
'every year returning docile accommodating conservative' is the wordplay.
'every year' becomes 'pa' (per annum).
'returning' shows that the letters should be reversed in order.
'docile' becomes 'pliant' (I've seen this before).
'accommodating' indicates putting letters inside.
'conservative' becomes 'C' (UK political abbreviation).
'pa' written backwards gives 'ap'.
'pliant' going around 'c' is 'plicant'.
'ap'+'plicant'='APPLICANT'
(Other definitions for applicant that I've seen before include "someone wanting a job" , "Candidate for job" , "Job-seeker" , "Candidate for a post" , "Job seeker" .)