Think twice when axing leader for change (5)

I believe the answer is:

alter

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'for change' is the definition.
(synonyms)

I cannot understand how the rest of the clue works.

(Other definitions for alter that I've seen before include "Revise" , "Change, make different" , "Become different" , "Make changes to" , "Change or adjust" .)

I've seen this clue in The Hindu.

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