Former Conservative employer becoming lenient type? (7)

I believe the answer is:

excuser

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'lenient type?' is the definition.
The definition suggests a singular noun which matches the answer.

'former conservative employer' is the wordplay.
'former' becomes 'ex' (prefix meaning former or onetime).
'conservative' becomes 'C' (UK political abbreviation).
'employer' becomes 'user' (someone who employs or uses something).
'ex'+'c'+'user'='EXCUSER'

'becoming' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

I've seen this clue in The Guardian.

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