Top politician press initially interviewed in church (7,8)
I believe the answer is:
cabinet minister
'top politician press initially interviewed in church' is the definition.
I can't tell whether this defines the answer.
'top politician press initially' is the wordplay.
'top politician' becomes 'minister' (I've seen this before. I am not sure about the 'top' bit.**).
'press' becomes 'cabinet' (press can mean a cupboard).
'initially' says to put letters next to each other.
'minister' after 'cabinet' is 'CABINET MINISTER'.
(Other definitions for cabinet minister that I've seen before include "member of government" , "May perhaps" , "senior politician" , "went down to provide 22 24 [WHISKY GALORE] - with 17d" , "high-ranking member?" .)