Is it backing for Boris's buddies? (8)
I believe the answer is:
cronyism
'it backing for boris's buddies?' is the definition.
The definition suggests a singular noun which matches the answer.
'is' is the wordplay.
I cannot quite understand how this works, but
'is' is found in the answer.
This explanation may well be incorrect...
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for cronyism that I've seen before include "Favouritism shown to friends and associates" , "Dubious appointments" , "old boy network" , "The appointing of personal friends to jobs" , "Appointment of friends to jobs, regardless of qualifications" .)