New York suburbs crazy to change leader (7)

I believe the answer is:

yonkers

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'leader' is the definition.
Both the answer and definition are singular nouns.
Perhaps you can see an association between them that I don't see?

I cannot understand how the rest of the clue works.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for yonkers that I've seen before include "City of New York State" , "place of New York" , "US city" , "American city" , "NYC suburb" .)

I've seen this clue in The Guardian.

Want a hint initially instead of a full solution? Install my app