CRYPTIC CROSSWORD

ACROSS 1. Sleepy sort of town, or might be mid swing to Conservative (9) 5. Hereford might frighten one into submission (3)

7. In which painting makes for smoother running? (4) 8. Resolute supporter might start law reform (8)

10. Like a halberd for an irregular soldier (8)

11. Thought to be the son of such desire (4)

13. Fraud tied back around City district (6)

15. A lady’s married? It follows, but he will live alone (6)

18. In a child it’s right, but wrong in law (4)

19. Point out how one can diet in such a way (8)

22. Is stirred by it, at getting among the senile (8) 23. Problem is tackled, in part, in obscurity (4)

24. Moray, or some electric swimmer (3)

25. Contrition of niece given ten-p in change (9)

DOWN 1. Having let fall Chat one didn’t go on with it (7) 2. Sovereign is used to measures taken along its edge (5) 3. Expenditure you might have with a lieutenant involved (6) 4. Sick loyalists turn up and hold the yellow (4)

5. Part of the skull I can get fuddled with rum (7)

6. One who can spell ‘loo’ and hit out (5) 9. Extremely angry lid one flipped when about five (5) 12. Do menial work for such a hot dish (5)

14. A soft drink, but a hearty one (7)

16. Scene of action in which operations may be staged (7) 17. Is not observed to be a translation on first sight (6) 18. Discover whereabouts of gut connecting hook to line (5) 20. A going by way of the North of the birds (5)

21. Take it on and keep dwelling on what pluck it takes (4)