Across
1 One regarded with contempt in back of Swiss taxi (4)
4 Clergyman, one in important church (8)
10 Slow turtle can, surprisingly (9)
11 Article on daily crime (5)
12 Lose one’s grip and experience a setback? (4,7)
14 I had contracted to appear in competition easy to see (7)
16 Makes certain criticisms once leader’s gone (7)
18 Very small weapon brought outside in temper (7)
19 King in card game brother cut (7)
20 Novel associated with Rip Van Winkle? (3,3,5)
24 Concede a European king needs to be ousted (5)
25 I approach home resolutely (2,7)
26 Star of Oh, Mr Porter! attending passion play (3,5)
27 Band from the south has re-formed (4)
Down
2 Harlequin’s sweetheart’s flowers (10)
3 Reason given for climbing Everest as I test her out (7,3,5)
5 ‘elpful tips about more discourteous gatecrashers (9)
6 Talks to realists for a change, as people have different opinions (2,5,3,5)
7 Row right after cup game (4)
8 Merit a percentage (4)
9 Male donkey’s load (4)
10 Disease caused by insects? Not originally (7)
13 Musicians strum, first to last enthralling boy (10)
15 Taste before gathering in fruit (9)
17 Sit around then by piano, in a place where youngsters can play (7)
21 Piece of news I came across after revolution (4)
22 Birch in centre of willowy wood (4)
23 Ancient city, partly destroyed (4)
