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Signal change when head of state takes more central role (5)

Ross

I think it could be either:

title

first

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I believe this is a septuple definition!!!

'signal' is the first definition.
(I know that first is a type of honours)

'change' is the second definition.
The definition and answer can be both acts as well as being singular nouns.
Maybe you can see a link between them that I don't see?

'when' is a link.

'head' is the third definition.
(thesaurus)

'of' acts as a link.

'state' is the fourth definition.
(first is a kind of state)

'takes' acts as a link.

'more' is the fifth definition.
The definition and answer can be both quantities as well as being singular nouns.
Perhaps they are linked in a way I don't understand?

'central' is the sixth definition.
(thesaurus)

'role' is the seventh definition.
(I know that first is a type of position)

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for first that I've seen before include "Leading" , "Cardinal" , "Prime" , "Pre-eminent" , "Most important" .)

I've seen this clue in The Telegraph.
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