Tory offer could be a runner (9)
I believe the answer is:
contender
'a runner' is the definition.
The definition and answer can be both people as well as being singular nouns.
Maybe you can see a link between them that I don't see?
'tory offer' is the wordplay.
'tory' becomes 'con' (abbreviation for conservative).
'offer' becomes 'tender' (tender can mean to offer something).
'con'+'tender'='CONTENDER'
'could be' is the link.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for contender that I've seen before include "One seeking title" , "No red cent (anag.)" , "One fighting others (for something)" , "Trend once (anag.)" , "One engaged in a struggle" .)