Starts with leader moving to the back — that's a nice touch (6)

I believe the answer is:

caress

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'touch' is the definition.
(caress is a kind of touch)

I can't explain the rest of the clue.

(Other definitions for caress that I've seen before include "Stroke lovingly" , "pet[s]" , "Tenderly stroke" , "Stoke affectionately" , "Gentle affectionate stroking" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.

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