Independent politician described by broadcaster as mean ... (6)
I believe the answer is:
skimpy
'mean' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)
I don't understand how the rest of the clue works.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for skimpy that I've seen before include "Scanty (clothing)" , "'Scanty, barely enough (6)'" , "Inadequate (of clothing)" , "Made with barely sufficient material (of clothes)" , "Providing little coverage" .)