Cryptic crossword

ACROSS 1. Cruel turn, and one loses head with alfalfa (7)

4. Calls around with physical education as it makes cuts (7) 8. To be changeable is right in the way Weller put it (4)

9. Top German politician here at Number Eleven (10)

11. Gets pinned down, like fingers (6)

12. Gave one knowledge that I am no longer with my spouse (8) 14. A letter for a person in a book (9)

15. Clearly expressed, I could make it with nothing less (5)

17. Was grieving sanctimonious? End confused it (5)

18. Grant lies about them being used as percussion instruments (9)

19. Communist newspapers apply pressure with it (8) 21. In America, theatre doesn’t open but it warms things up (6) 23. Too hefty to give the row a twist (10)

24. It may hold collar of one used for breeding (4)

25. Parking needed if one thus begrudges making gifts (7) 26. Secrets destroyed in the fire-basket (7) DOWN 1. Drink that’s passed round may clog up with French wine (6-3) 2. Redhat figures they are one, two, three (8,7)

3. Sound return offered by City house (4)

4. Smart holding and at home with a bird (4-6)

5. Where the contest is perhaps near a conclusion (5)

6. Standing for one who opposed the government inside (9,6) 7. Was tempted into misrule on the day (5)

10. Repay good draughtsman when he turns up (6)

13. They figure the facts as it’s cast its spell (10)

15. Hang on: that is shortly going to be needed as underwear (6) 16. Disgrace one when record is tried out (9)

19. Some singers may grow rich, holding nothing (5)

20. The tree makes war on the mountain (5)

22. Smartness starts costing her innumerable choices (4)