CRYPTIC CROSSWORD

ACROSS

1 May have to measure the course of a walkway (8)

5 One character swapping A and E for a clergyman (6)

9 Prisoners may take aim without a secret plot (8)

10 Is about to judge how to buy things back (6) 12 At short notice, due to change things a bit (6)

13 Go round with one in an Italian city (5) 16 Did a top politician mention that he was inclined to back one side? (6)

17 May support a constituency, even with a hands-off approach (4-4)

20 A modern name coined for one in custody (2,6)

21 Did the boss have one old workplace? (6) 23 Popular group placed in a corner ... (5)

25 ... with the wrong one playing at the start (6) 28 One gets up to see colours with them (6) 29 Vacant drive, at the end of the day, is laid waste (8) 30 Find new entrance round the back, but make it ineffective (6)

31 Prepare text for one working on second publications (8)

DOWN

1 In reality, some will get off active service (4) 2 Has to get round in three directions (4) 3 Unreal expectations of some smokers (4-5) 4 Appear by chance to bring something to light (4,2)

6 Has to be wide-awake, painting over the French (5)

7 Points to use of hand weapons, when one takes the lead in conflict (10)

8 Choice made on proposal for selection of a candidate (10)

11 A metal band used in various roles on the way back (5)

14 Have to work on the place occupied by shadow ministers (10)

15 Causing to sink, casting a gloom over everything (10)

HUGH JOHNSON 18 Group of people, commonly, dressed in the same outfit (6,3)

19 Band of brothers joined together ready for action (5)

22 Deal with a model having to care for others (6)

24 Time to let out an English runner (5) 26 About to follow an old Roman censor (4)

27 Puts some money on Greek character without a second (4)