Panic after leader’s departure? That’s a mistake (5)
I believe the answer is:
error
'that's a mistake' is the definition.
(synonyms)
I can't explain the remainder of the clue.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for error that I've seen before include "Solecism" , "Miscalculation" , "Boob" , "heresy" , "Slip-up" .)