CRYPTIC CROSSWORD
For today’s solutions, text CLUE followed by the clue (eg: ‘CLUE 1 Down’) to 53307
Across
1 Tights are working gear for hunters at sea (8).
9 Process of shaping ornamental band (8).
10 Precious stone confused pensioner by lake (4).
11 Union leader comes in on prosecution side
to get the media generally (6,6).
13 Nonsense rhymester stays at home, going straight (6).
14 Measure of a type gradually changes stresses (8).
15 Amount to grotesque sins in bed (7).
16 Mythical hero — he’s got fat back on the outside (7).
20 A group of politicians, conservative-leaning, terrify (8).
22 Thatcher’s said to be one fond of books (6).
23 It’s good for many occasions to add flavour to summary penalty (6,6). 25 One prohibition on financial information (4).
26 Musical satisfactory with monk keeping house (8).
27 Reel and trio played together for time-waster (8).
Down
2 I go to PM with one children’s complaint (8).
3 Ineffective policy on drink cutbacks? (4,8).
4 Asks of bridge opponents quantities of paper (8).
5 Captivated, endlessly despatched to procure glove (7).
6 Get ready to play song backways? (4,2).
7 Permit to travel through carrying first of secrets (4).
8 Monsters making advances, doing away with electoral system (8). 12 Passage East minds underwear for unconventional dresser (12). 15 Such entertainment — putting lids into food (4,4).
17 Bad hair involving strong liquour induces
ceremonial way to end it all (8).
18 Sign in thus, where menus are concocted (8).
19 It’s fitting for athletic organisation to lose one time (7).
21 Loosen horse spoken of outside — it’s hunter’s best friend (6). 24 Pivot and have drink about ten (4).