Operator was first to get up (3)
I believe the answer is:
del
'operator' is the definition.
(I know that del is a type of operator)
'was first to get up' is the wordplay.
'was first' becomes 'led' (to lead is to go first).
'to get up' is a reversal indicator.
'led' backwards is 'DEL'.
(Other definitions for del that I've seen before include "Mathematical symbol < , delegate" , "Derek (dim.)" , "- Boy (Only Fools and Horses)" , "drew it" .)