| GUMPTION | Courage and instinct about politician no one backed (8) |
| INCISION | Operational cut in Civil Service housing unit no one backed (8) |
| STALLION | Horse no one backed after delay (8) |
| IMPRISON | Put away one politician - no gentleman, in retrospect |
| INNOVATE | Do something creative, based on instinct, about old volume (8) |
| ENDORSEE | One backed by Leonid to even run spy (8) |
| GERONIMO | Love child for one backed First Nations leader (8) |
| STRAWHAT | Panama, for one, backed cultural pursuits, huh? (5,3) |
| TUGOFWAR | Strong contest one's backed to win |
| HERCULES | In classical mythology, a hero noted for his great strength and courage and for the performance of 12 immense labours (8) |
| CHIVALRY | From the medieval Latin for "horse", knights, horsemen and noblemen collectively; the knightly code of conduct in feudal times; or, by extension, courage and courtesy (8) |
| ADMISSION | Acceptance of notice by girl no one backed (9) |
| ADJOIN | Border -- a record spinner no one backed (6) |
| REPRESSION | Constraint concerning section of media no one backed (10) |
| OPENER | He bats at No. 1 - backed and protected by pure nepotism (6) |
| MAGRITTE | Painter depicting courage and determination in friend |
| SANDIEGO | City that is inspired by courage and drive (3,5) |
| IDENTICALTWINS | One getting a lewd instinct about Jedward possibly (9,5) |
| SHRIMP | Title of respect given to Indian politician, no giant |
| EMPTY | Vacant English politician, no alternative for Tory (5) |
