Crossword Genius

Liberal or a Conservative's uplifting song of joy (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

carol

'song of joy' is the definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)

'liberal or a conservative's uplifting' is the wordplay.
'liberal' becomes 'l' (abbreviation).
'conservative' becomes 'C' (UK political abbreviation).
'uplifting' says the letters should be written backwards.
'l'+'or'+'a'+'c'='lorac'
'lorac' back-to-front is 'CAROL'.

(Other definitions for carol that I've seen before include "Female" , "Joyful song - girl's name" , "Joyful song - woman's name" , "A traditional Christmas song or hymn" , "Christmas ditty" .)

I've seen this clue in The Telegraph.
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