This guy rushes to hug Liberal or Labour hero (8)

I believe the answer is:

heracles

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But I can't explain it at all! Could you help me understand?

(Other definitions for heracles that I've seen before include "Mythical labourer" , "Leachers (anag) - Greek hero (who laboured)" , "hero of superhuman strength" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.

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