He must leave here and now, to deputise for (9)

I believe the answer is:

represent

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'deputise for' is the definition.
'represent' can be an answer for 'deputise' (thesaurus). I am not sure about the 'for' bit.

'he must leave here and now' is the wordplay.
'must leave' is a deletion indicator.
'and' is a charade indicator (letters next to each other).
'now' becomes 'present' (the present time).
'here' with 'he' taken out is 're'.
're'+'present'='REPRESENT'

'to' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for represent that I've seen before include "Act for" , "Speak on behalf" , "Play the part" , "Explain" , "Stand for or symbolise" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.

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