Understood one's successor had done so (8)

I believe the answer is:

followed

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'understood' is the definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)

I can't explain the remainder of the clue.

(Other definitions for followed that I've seen before include "Pursued" , "Came along behind" , "Travelled behind or ensued" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.

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