What does the cryptic crossword clue "Writer, some lefties say, is Tory (8)" mean?

The definition is "Writer". The wordplay uses a hidden word. A hidden answer (‘some’) in ‘lefti ES SAY IS T ory’. The answer is ESSAYIST.

Writer, some lefties say, is Tory (8)

Guardian Cryptic #29005 | 9 Across | 2023-02-28 flower