Liberal English lot backing rave (8)
I believe the answer is:
tolerant
'liberal' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)
'english lot backing rave' is the wordplay.
'english' becomes 'e' (abbreviation).
'backing' says the letters should be written backwards.
'rave' becomes 'rant' ('rant' can be a synonym of 'rave').
'e'+'lot'='elot'
'elot' reversed gives 'tole'.
'tole'+'rant'='TOLERANT'
(Other definitions for tolerant that I've seen before include "Indulgent, permissive" , "Easy-going" , "Broadminded, acceptance of others' beliefs" , "Showing leniency" , "Extremes such a one can bear" .)