The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 6 letter word MAYORS
I've seen this crossword clue in Independent
M
A
Y
O
R
S
More clues leading to the result MAYORS
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "Those such as Boris, once" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case those such as boris, once = mayors.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 MAYORS mean?
MAYORS noun- The chief executive of the municipal government of a city, borough, &c., formerly usually appointed as a caretaker by European royal courts but now usually appointed or elected locally.
- Short for mayor of the palace, the royal stewards of the Frankish Empire.
- Synonym of mair, various former officials in the Kingdom of Scotland.
- A member of a city council.
- A high justice, an important judge.
- A largely ceremonial position in some municipal governments that presides over the city council while a contracted city manager holds actual executive power.
- A local VIP, a muckamuck or big shot reckoned to lead some local group.