20 November- Solution for the last clue and the next cryptic crossword clue

Sweet affectionate worker (7)
Solution – fondant

This is an example of the most common type of  cryptic clue – the charades clue.

Affectionate = fond

Worker = ant

Fond + ant = fondant which is a type of sweet (I only really know it in the context of icing for cakes)

Today’s cryptic crossword clue – solution tomorrow
Toady, extremely smarmy chap, not replaced (9)
Source of clue – NZ Herald

Hint – the solution is a word that means "toady".