Crossword Genius

Unknown heads of test and trace member of ruling party backed - lousy! (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

nitty

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'lousy' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

I can't explain the rest of the clue.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for nitty that I've seen before include "___-gritty, the basics" , "lousy" , "Gritty's partner?" .)

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