What does the cryptic crossword clue "Higher power backing up former leader (5)" mean?

The definition is "High". The wordplay uses a charade (building blocks). UP (synonym="UP") + P (synonym="=power, in physics") + ER (synonym="=former leader, i.e. Elizabeth Regina") = UPPER The answer is UPPER.

Higher power backing up former leader (5)

Independent Cryptic #12061 | 9 Across | 2025-06-05 flower

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