We've only ignored leaders in an equal manner (6)

I believe the answer is:

evenly

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'in an equal manner' is the definition.
(I know this)

I cannot understand how the remainder of the clue works.

(Other definitions for evenly that I've seen before include "avoiding hiccups?" , "without disruption?" , "at regular intervals" , "in regular fashion" , "on an equal footing" .)

I've seen this clue in The Telegraph.

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