CRYPTIC CROSSWORD

ACROSS

1 Changing diet, Alec’s fragile (8) 5 Bank deputy removing 50% limit (6)

9 Scone – it’s cut to make slices (8)

10 Still in charge after endless fluster (6)

12 Begin lies with stab wound in front of hospital (9) 13 Sweep called – he wants husband (5)

14 Type of bread from the east – and from the west (4) 16 Underwear – and where it’s kept? (7)

19 Prime Minister retaining large yen to be fit (7)

21 Teen carefully squeezes returning spots (4)

24 Joe wearing raincoat? Marvellous! (5)

25 Bolt from the blue? (9) 27 Labour type (6)

28 Wrong maiden is captured (8) 29 Singular niff? English drunkard (6)

30 Junior to follow weaker party (8)

DOWN

1 Father gathers the woman bolted (6)

2 Local tea leaves last characters find (6) 3 About 50 before I’m bowled – making progress (5)

4 Numbers working under current stress (7)

6 Please go in that inn regularly (9)

7 Former lover was inclined to be put out (8)

8 Drop Ant’s partner and run? No trouble (8)

11 Church promotion for African country (4)

15 Having a go at taking cat out (9)

17 Male cutting chest is upset – they’ll provide medicine (8) 18 New anorak covers good old jumper? (8)

20 Shout cowardly, letting out expression of pain (4)

21 Old English cleric leaving clubs (7)

22 Chose finest editor (6) 23 Before golf, urge no drink (6) 26 Name bird by meadow with no tail (5)