CRYPTIC CROSSWORD

Across

8 Might get deal arranged, at the end, to hand over power (8)

9 A leather worker, in the past, didn't amount to much (6)

10 Arrived with an artist to see a judge in private (6)

11 Turn to help Ava out to cope with a bit of trouble (8)

12 Did a Greek character gamble on the first athlete? (4)

13 Choose to speak out to win over the voters (10)

15 At short notice, present Democrat who held fast to the party line (7)

17 Although spaced out, in the end, managed to get away (7)

20 Standard achieved in the high seas current (10)

22 The first man was unyielding, at the start (4)

24 A chat with the French doctor, initially, sounded harsh (8)

26 First Soviet Union dictator had to retreat without warning (6)

27 The directors got round a table, in the main (6)

28 Frees one from corruption, etc, and ends up making large profits (6,2)

Down

1 Was seated, when about to meet up with laidback characters (6)

2 About to get an ambassador to climb down (8)

3 The bosses can cope with the workers, at the end (10)

4 Two hands were healed, and protected (7)

5 At some stretch, create a work of art by making an impression (4)

6 It's not right if a run has to be reorganised (6)

7 Is about to leave Eastern Europe with a bit of banter (8)

14 Had little time to ask a teacher about a list of jobs he had to do (10)

16 Harangue a group of people after they get help in return (8)

18 Is conferring some territory, in good order (8)

19 Some go under cover, dictating terms of a legal ruling (7)

21 Almost got hold of empty casket, once filled with honey (6)

23 Find a suitable place to play, in a way (6)

25 Had to cover up old swimming-pool (4)