CRYPTIC CROSSWORD

21/3 ACROSS

1. The one preceding the last minute leapt into being (11)

7. A sweet sort of tart (7)

9. It is one’s inclination to be crooked (4)

11. Wood marking weighs very little (5)

12. As mild as can be, yet gloomy (6)

14. Posh pig: bang it around, and bring it home in this (8,3)

18. Is bashful when about to go wrong with the fino (6)

20. One game is thrown by an idol (5)

22. Deservedly get a listener by end of session (4)

23. Queue, and that’s the last one will see of the porker (7)

24. How do we get our MPs at such local polls? (2-9)

DOWN

2. For Yale, he’s growing facial hair (7)

3. In that case, it’s next (4)

4. Article Marines produce on fire power? (5)

5. Theatre generally gets a variety of it (5)

6. Yet it may be producing alcoholic liquor (5)

8. Plot together, and no prices can be fixed (8)

10. Can repeatedly be an informer in America (4-4)

13. Transformation is big where VIP is concerned (3)

15. The French find it handy to have a Buddhist priest at home (1,2,4)

16. Show one to seat as a former under-teacher (5)

17. Kingdom of Lear, first monarch of it (5)

19. Is in good time for relay perhaps (5)

21. Be sanctimonious in City area: it’s a grand story (4)