1a. US Republicans spearhead changes but get out of kilter. (2,4-6) **/p***/**a*e*
8a. Conservative (50) has affair, creating uproar (7)
11a. Old boy as expected accepts charge in stubborn way (10)
****r*****
19a. Stylish party men like party games (6)
27a. Learned, like old poet and cleric (7) ****i*h
Down clues to follow - haven’t done very well with this one!