Socialist record in bureaucracy (3,4)
I believe the answer is:
red tape
'bureaucracy' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)
'socialist record' is the wordplay.
'socialist' becomes 'red' (socialism is often associated with the colour red).
'record' becomes 'tape' (synonyms).
'red'+'tape'='RED-TAPE'
'in' acts as a link.
(Other definitions for red tape that I've seen before include "Irritating bureaucracy" , "officialdom" , "Time consuming bureaucracy" , "Excessive bureaucracy (3.4)" , "Bureaucratic procedures and paperwork" .)