Cryptic crossword

ACROSS

1. Elusive Mel may be, giving one a demulcent bark (8,3)

9. Refuse butcher’s 7 (5)

10. Didn’t forget seeing one who belongs in the reed (10)

11. How to say the initials of a compère (5)

12. As inept as it can be at showing wisdom (7)

14. Short officer finds way to cross mountain range (3)

15. To get in half the swag and pack it away (4)

16. It’s as snappy as port can be (6)

17. Nothing can be absolute (4)

21. A capital destination for all road-users (4)

22. Be on the poop, say, and adorn it (6)

23. Fellow not put out by its use in baptism (4)

26. Keep one out of the saloon (3)

27. Sam sure could be one to work on bodies (7)

29. Group of intriguers coming from America baldly (5)

30. How I improve us, not being able to be got through (10)

31. Confidential assistants have other ideas (5)

32. Truss is real perhaps for painters like Dali (11)

DOWN

2. Learn about where Hercules slew the Hydra (5)

3. TV host may take a gift with hesitation (9)

4. Right boots ordered for mechanical men (6)

5. Red niche could be enhanced (8)

6. A paragon could be a small version of the real thing (5)

7. Small piece of cuff to be rejected? (6)

8. We spell ‘rake’ out for one such as Lady Macbeth (11)

12. May be slaughtered as an offering if racial (sic) (11)

13. Something more positive as a sign (4)

18. Displaced population possibly proves evil (9)

19. Work in a sort of primer that’s unseemly (8)

20. The Venerable old prayer? (4)

24. A person of no importance, like a herm? (6)

25. It will issue ere gem can be reset (6)

26. About first loves, sibs may achieve the highest happiness (5)

28. Surprise result, switching parts of set-up (5)