Independent published about politician being weak (8)

I believe the answer is:

impaired

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'weak' is the definition.
Both the answer and definition are adjectives. Perhaps they are linked in a way I don't understand?

'independent published about politician' is the wordplay.
'independent' becomes 'i'.
'published' becomes 'aired' (I can't justify this - if you can you should believe this answer much more).
'about' is a charade indicator (letters next to each other).
'politician' becomes 'mp' (Member of Parliament).
'aired' after 'mp' is 'mpaired'.
'i'+'mpaired'='IMPAIRED'

'being' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for impaired that I've seen before include "Hampered" , "Damaged or weakened, maybe in health" , "Damaged, marred" , "Made worse or less effective" , "Disabled" .)

I've seen this clue in The Telegraph.

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