Crossword Genius

Candidate finally finishes speaking with husky voice in the auditorium (8-5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

stalking-horse

'candidate' is the definition.
(type of political candidate)

'finally finishes speaking with husky voice in the auditorium' is the wordplay.
'finally' suggests the final letters.
'speaking' becomes 'talking' ('talk' can be a synonym of 'speak').
'with husky voice' becomes 'hoarse' (hoarse means having a sore throat).
'in the auditorium' shows a homophone (sound like) (ie as heard on a stage).
The final letter of 'finishes' is 's'.
'hoarse' sounds like 'horse'.
's'+'talking'+'horse'='STALKING-HORSE'

(Other definitions for stalking-horse that I've seen before include "Mobile hide for hunter - candidate testing the waters" , "Candidate put up to conceal the real threat" , "Pretext; candidate as ploy" , "Political pawn" , "Trial candidate" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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