Crossword Genius

Loved to bother socialist (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

adored

'loved' is the definition.
(adoring is a kind of loving)

'bother socialist' is the wordplay.
'bother' becomes 'ado' (both can mean fuss or commotion).
'socialist' becomes 'red' (red can informally mean a socialist).
'ado'+'red'='ADORED'

'to' acts as a link.

(Other definitions for adored that I've seen before include "Loved intensely" , "Loved dearly" , "Doted on" , "Idolised" , "having lover" .)

I've seen this clue in The Mirror and The Daily Express.
Want a hint initially instead of a full solution? Install my app