Crossword Genius

Former politician remains controlling left (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

asquith

'former politician' is the definition.
(UK prime minister HH Asquith)

'remains controlling left' is the wordplay.
'remains' becomes 'ash' (remains of a fire).
'controlling' indicates putting letters inside.
'left' becomes 'quit' (I've seen this before).
'ash' enclosing 'quit' is 'ASQUITH'.

(Other definitions for asquith that I've seen before include "H H ---, Liberal PM" , "PM in 1914" , "old cabinet maker" , "Liberal prime minister, 1908 to 1916" , "PM 1908-16" .)

I've seen this clue in The Telegraph.
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