Cryptic crossword No 1,520

Hi all. johninterred has edited and uploaded this for me. Many thanks. This is my annual political crossword that was published this morning on the website politicalbetting.com I hope some of you give it a go and enjoy the clues. Merry Xmas! St John. 😀

What fun, even though this was a DNF as I wasn't familiar with a couple of names referenced in the wordplay. 14a, 1d, 4d, 7d were favourites. My regards to Mike Smithson of Political Betting, who would have made a good MP for Bedford back in the day.

This was a finely constructed puzzle; my regards to the compiler. My political knowledge was found to be somewhat thin - or, at the very least, cobwebby. Particular faves include 13a, 21a, 25a, 26a, 4d, 8d, 16d and 20d. Thanks to the setter. PM