Crossword Genius

Personal assistant left an ally (3)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

pal

'an ally' is the definition.
(both can mean a friend or associate)

'personal assistant left' is the wordplay.
'personal assistant' becomes 'PA' (abbreviation).
'left' becomes 'l' (common abbreviation).
'pa'+'l'='PAL'

(Other definitions for pal that I've seen before include "Friend (colloq.)" , "Close friend" , "Crony" , "Mate, buddy" , "China" .)

I've seen this clue in The Mirror.
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