Crossword Genius

Leader, first of those on hand? (3,6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

top banana

'leader' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

'first of those on hand?' is the wordplay.
I cannot quite see how this works, but
'first' could be 'top' (synonyms) and 'top' is found in the answer.
The remaining letters 'banana' is a valid word which might be clued in a way I don't understand.
This may be the basis of clue (or it may be nonsense).

(Other definitions for top banana that I've seen before include "figurehead?" , "organisation chief" , "Boss (slang)" , "Most important person in group (informal)" , "1" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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