Shifty dealer always ahead (6)

I believe the answer is:

leader

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

'always ahead' is the definition.
I can't judge whether this defines the answer.

'shifty dealer' is the wordplay.
'shifty' is an anagram indicator.
'dealer' with letters rearranged gives 'LEADER'.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for leader that I've seen before include "Main editorial in a newspaper" , "Editorial - chief" , "Boss, commander" , "Front-runner or head of group" , "Guide, commander" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.

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