Crossword Genius

Skulked around before inspiring member of parliament departs (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

prowled

'skulked' is the definition.
('prowl' can be a synonym of 'skulk')

'before inspiring member of parliament departs' is the wordplay.
'before' becomes 'pre' (prefix meaning 'before').
'inspiring' is an insertion indicator.
'member of parliament' becomes 'owl' ('parliament' is the collective noun for 'owl').
'departs' becomes 'd' (common abbreviation e.g. train timetables).
'pre' enclosing 'owl' is 'prowle'.
'prowle'+'d'='PROWLED'

'around' acts as a link.

(Other definitions for prowled that I've seen before include "Went about stealthily, in search of prey perhaps" , "Moved about in a predatory manner" , "Moved about restlessly and stealthy" .)

I've seen this clue in The Telegraph.
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