Crossword Genius

Women once used these cunning ploys to snare politician (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

wimples

'women once used these' is the definition.
(women once wore wimples)

'cunning ploys to snare politician' is the wordplay.
'cunning ploys' becomes 'wiles' (a wile is a trick or scheme).
'to snare' indicates putting letters inside (inserted letters are trapped or snared).
'politician' becomes 'MP' (Member of Parliament).
'wiles' placed around 'mp' is 'WIMPLES'.

I've seen this clue in The Telegraph.
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