It would be madness, leaving aside stubborn chief's lack of sense (7)

I believe the answer is:

inanity

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'lack of sense' is the definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)

I can't explain the rest of the clue.

(Other definitions for inanity that I've seen before include "Being silly" , "Silliness in a tiny way" , "Foolishness" , "Mindlessness" , "Puerility" .)

I've seen this clue in The Irish Times.

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