What does the cryptic crossword clue "Short of people — not ministers — to embrace the Tories (7)" mean?

The definition is "Short". The wordplay uses a container (one word inside another). CON (synonym="the Tories") in LAIC (synonym="of people, not ministers") = LACONIC; definition: "Short" The answer is LACONIC.

Short of people — not ministers — to embrace the Tories (7)

Times Cryptic #28528 | 5 Down | 2023-02-16 flower

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