Crossword Genius

Pro-centralising politicians — figures not in charge (8)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

statists

'pro-centralising politicians' is the definition.
(politicians in favour of a centralised state)

'figures not in charge' is the wordplay.
'figures' becomes 'statistics' (statistical figures).
'not' is a deletion indicator.
'in charge' becomes 'ic' (abbreviation for 'in charge').
'statistics' with 'ic' taken out is 'STATISTS'.

(Another definition for statists that I've seen is " politicians".)

I've seen this clue in The Guardian.
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