Crossword Genius

Tory MP keeps Labour leader on hand (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

glove

'hand' is the definition.

'tory mp keeps labour leader' is the wordplay.
'tory mp' becomes 'gove' (Michael Gove).
'keeps' indicates putting letters inside.
'leader' suggests taking the first letters.
The initial letter of 'labour' is 'l'.
'gove' going around 'l' is 'GLOVE'.

'on' acts as a link.

(Other definitions for glove that I've seen before include "protective wear on" , "Hand-cover" , "hands warmer" , "Covering for hand" , "something a boxer uses" .)

I've seen this clue in The Guardian.
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