Godfather, eliminating leading Democrat, is no criminal (6)
I believe the answer is:
adonis
'godfather' is the definition.
The definition and answer can be both people as well as being singular nouns.
Perhaps they are linked in a way I don't understand?
'eliminating leading democrat is no criminal' is the wordplay.
'eliminating leading' becomes 'a' (I can't justify this - if you can you should believe this answer much more).
'democrat' becomes 'd'.
'criminal' is an anagram indicator.
'is'+'no'='isno'
'isno' anagrammed gives 'onis'.
'a'+'d'+'onis'='ADONIS'
(Other definitions for adonis that I've seen before include "one deemed to be beautiful" , "No aids (anag)" , "Extremely attractive young man from Greek mythology" , "Legendary lover" , "Greek idol" .)