Ill-repute that is close to merit, embraced by committed left-winger? (9)

I believe the answer is:

notoriety

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'repute that is close to merit embraced by committed left-winger?' is the definition.
'notoriety' can be an answer for 'repute' (notoriety is a kind of repute). I am not sure about the rest of the definition.

I don't understand how the rest of the clue works.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for notoriety that I've seen before include "Bad reputation" , "Fame from bad deeds" , "State of being infamous" , "State of being well known, negatively" , "Bad publicity" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.

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