Crossword Genius

Stand, if poorly seated, surrounded by political outsiders (8)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

pedestal

'stand' is the definition.
('pedestal' can be a synonym of 'stand')

'poorly seated surrounded by political outsiders' is the wordplay.
'poorly' indicates an anagram (I've seen this in other clues).
'surrounded by' is an insertion indicator.
'outsiders' suggests removing the centre (only the letters on the outside of the word remain).
'political' with its middle taken out is 'pl'.
'seated' anagrammed gives 'edesta'.
'edesta' going inside 'pl' is 'PEDESTAL'.

'if' is the link.

(Other definitions for pedestal that I've seen before include "Place for idol, or basin" , "Supporting column of a washbasin" , "A statue stands on it" , "Pet's lead (anag) - support" , "Architectural support or base" .)

I've seen this clue in The Telegraph.
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