Crossword Genius

Start with handle for possible conspiracy theorist (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

crank

'possible conspiracy theorist' is the definition.

I cannot understand how the rest of the clue works.

(Other definitions for crank that I've seen before include "Person of eccentric habits" , "Eccentric - starting handle" , "Person with strange and often aggressive ideas" , "Turn (engine handle); eccentric" , "Turn a handle - weirdo" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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