Crossword Genius

Tear off with politician and tinker (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

tamper

'tinker' is the definition.

'tear off with politician' is the wordplay.
'off' is an anagram indicator.
'with' indicates putting letters inside.
'politician' becomes 'MP' (Member of Parliament).
'tear' is an anagram of 'taer'.
'taer' enclosing 'mp' is 'TAMPER'.

'and' is the link.

(Other definitions for tamper that I've seen before include "Interfere or alter without authority" , "Interfere (with a thing)" , "Meddle harmfully" , "Alter or falsify, evidence perhaps" , "Destructively interfere (with)" .)

I've seen this clue in The Mirror.
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