Removed from a particular post, Liberal leaves behind leader (3,3,4)

I believe the answer is:

off the pace

'removed from a particular post liberal leaves behind leader' is the definition.
I can't judge whether this defines the answer.

'removed from a particular post liberal leaves' is the wordplay.
'removed from' becomes 'off'.
'a particular' becomes 'the'.
'post' becomes 'place' ('place' can be a synonym of 'post').
'liberal' becomes 'l' (abbreviation).
'leaves' is a deletion indicator.
'place' with 'l' taken out is 'pace'.
'off'+'the'+'pace'='OFF THE PACE'

I've seen this clue in The Times.

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