The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 6 letter word TORIES
I've seen this crossword clue in The Guardian
T
O
R
I
E
S
More clues leading to the result TORIES
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "people in party" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case people in party = tories.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does TORIES mean?
TORIES noun- (UK politics) A member or supporter of the Conservative Party, which evolved from Royalist politicians; historically associated with upholding the rights of the monarchy and the privileges of the established Church.
- (by extension) One who is like a British Tory; someone politically conservative.
- (Canadian politics) A member or supporter of the Conservative Party of Canada, one of that party's predecessors, or an affiliated provincial political party.
- A member of the political factions that sought to prevent the exclusion of James, Duke of York from the throne of England in the 17th century.
- An Irish rebel fighting against English rule at the end of the Confederate War and Cromwellian invasion; later extended to other rebels or bandits.
- (American Revolution) A loyal British subject.
- (American Civil War, Confederate states) A Union sympathizer.