Left excited, Conservative leader was dumped (6)

I believe the answer is:

exited

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'left' is the definition.
('exit' can be a synonym of 'leave')

I cannot understand how the remainder of the clue works.

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(Other definitions for exited that I've seen before include "Took one's leave" , "Went out as actors do" , "Left the stage" , "Went out, departed" , "Go out of a place" .)

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.

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