Cryptic crossword clue
Heartless first leader disturbed one backing union of states 10

The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 10 letter word FEDERALIST

I've seen this crossword clue in The Daily Telegraph
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Buddy explains!

The straight part
We know that "one backing union of states" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case one backing union of states = federalist.
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 FEDERALIST mean?

FEDERALIST noun
  1. Advocate of federalism.
  2. Supporter of the view that the province of Québec should remain within the Canadian federal system; an opponent of Québec‐based separatism or sovereigns.
  3. A covenantalist.
FEDERALIST adjective
  1. Of or relating to federalism, or its advocates.

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