Crossword Genius

Conservative Party Conference, say, with stars (15)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

conventionalist

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'with stars' is the definition.
The definition suggests a singular noun which matches the answer.

'conservative party conference' is the wordplay.
'conservative' becomes 'conventional' (similar in meaning).
'party conference' becomes 'ist' (I am not sure about this - if you are sure you should give a lot more credence to this answer).
'conventional'+'ist'='CONVENTIONALIST'

'say' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Another definition for conventionalist that I've seen is " rebel? Not at all".)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.
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