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Sensational and clear, getting run for Conservative leader (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

lurid

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'sensational' is the definition.
(similar in meaning)

'clear getting run for conservative leader' is the wordplay.
I cannot quite see how this works, but
'clear' could be 'rid' (synonyms) and 'rid' is located in the answer.
This may be the basis of the clue (or it may be nonsense).

'and' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for lurid that I've seen before include "Glaringly vivid and graphic" , "Gloomily threatening" , "In shocking detail" , "Ghastly in appearance" , "Glaring in colour, shockingly vivid" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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