Order the partner about as well (7)
I believe the answer is:
mandate
'order' is the definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)
'partner about as well' is the wordplay.
'partner' becomes 'mate' (synonyms).
'about' is an insertion indicator.
'as well' becomes 'and' (I've seen this in other clues).
'mate' enclosing 'and' is 'MANDATE'.
'the' is the link.
(Other definitions for mandate that I've seen before include "Authority to act" , "Written authority" , "Authority given to perform certain task" , "Give authority to" , "Authorisation to a politician" .)