Loomed over current politician in the van (8)

I believe the answer is:

impended

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'loomed' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both to do with fundamental existence as well as being past participle verbs.
Perhaps they are linked in a way I don't understand?

'over current politician in the van' is the wordplay.
'over' becomes 'ended' (over can mean finished or ended).
'current' becomes 'I' (physics symbol).
'politician' becomes 'MP' (Member of Parliament).
'in the van' is a charade indicator (letters next to each other) (some letters go in the van ie at the front).
'i'+'mp'='imp'
'ended' after 'imp' is 'IMPENDED'.

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I've seen this clue in The Independent.

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