Cryptic crossword clue
Streaks, as a dirty campaigner does 6

The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 6 letter word SMEARS

I've seen this crossword clue in Financial Times
S
M
E
A
R
S

Buddy explains!

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 SMEARS mean?

SMEARS verb
  1. To spread (a substance, especially one that colours or is dirty) across a surface by rubbing.
  2. To have a substance smeared on (a surface).
  3. To damage someone's reputation by slandering, misrepresenting, or otherwise making false accusations about an individual, their statements, or their actions.
  4. To become spread by smearing.
  5. To climb without using footholds, using the friction from the shoe to stay on the wall.

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