Crossword Genius

Functions like a group of politicians (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

party

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

'a group of politicians' is the definition.
(political party)

'functions like' is the wordplay.
I cannot quite see how this works, but
'like' could be 'y' (similar in meaning) and 'y' is found in the answer.
The remaining letters 'part' is a valid word which might be clued in a way I don't see.
This may be the basis of the clue (or it may be nonsense).

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for party that I've seen before include "Political group; function" , "Group gathered together for pleasure" , "Political organisation" , "Political group - celebration" , "festive" .)

I've seen this clue in The Globe and Mail.
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