Conservative in charge bringing total shambles ... (5)

I believe the answer is:

farce

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'total shambles' is the definition.
'farce' can be an answer for 'shambles'. I'm unsure of the 'total' bit.

'conservative in charge' is the wordplay.
'conservative' becomes 'C' (UK political abbreviation).
'in' indicates putting letters inside.
'charge' becomes 'fare' (fare is a kind of charge).
'c' placed into 'fare' is 'FARCE'.

'bringing' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for farce that I've seen before include "Travesty" , "Burlesque" , "Broad comedy" , "Stage comedy" , "Ludicrous situation" .)

I've seen this clue in The Telegraph.

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