What does the cryptic crossword clue "Former Conservative employer becoming lenient type? (7)" mean?

The definition is "Former". The wordplay uses a charade (building blocks). EX (synonym of "Former") + C (synonym of "Conservative") + USER (synonym of "employer"); definition: "lenient type?" The answer is EXCUSER.

Former Conservative employer becoming lenient type? (7)

Guardian Cryptic #29007 | 9 Across | 2023-03-02 flower

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