Crossword Genius

Heartless character is given to Conservative Blue Elite (11)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

aristocracy

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'elite' is the definition.
(aristocracy is a kind of elite)

'heartless character is given to conservative blue' is the wordplay.
I cannot quite understand how this works, but
'character' could be 'y' and 'y' is present in the answer.
'is' is within the answer.
'to' is within the answer.
'conservative' could be 'c' (UK political abbreviation) and 'c' is found in the answer.
This explanation may well be incorrect...

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for aristocracy that I've seen before include "Upper class, nobility" , "those born ahead of others?" , "Noble class" , "Privileged class" , "Upper classes" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.
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