Leading article picked up, but ignoring editor’s conclusion (5)
I believe the answer is:
ahead
'leading' is the definition.
(to lead is to go ahead)
I can't explain the remainder of the clue.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for ahead that I've seen before include "In the vanguard" , "advanced" , "In front as in race" , "in van" , "at pole" .)