Redundant words were: IRAQI (1A), ADO (5A), AENEAS (39A), EPEE (5D), AREA (25D). In line with 16/17, remaining unclued lights were all anagrams of snakes: 18A ASP; 26A COBRA; 36A BOA; 41A FER-DE-LANCE; 31D ELAPID; 33D TAIPAN; 35D ADDER.
First prize Rowan Priestman, Guildford, Surrey
Runners-up Margaret Lusk, Fulwood, Lancashire; P. West, Birmingham

Get Britain's best politics newsletters
Register to get The Spectator's insight and opinion straight to your inbox. You can then read two free articles each week.
Already a subscriber? Log in
Comments
Join the debate for just $5 for 3 months
Be part of the conversation with other Spectator readers by getting your first three months for $5.
UNLOCK ACCESS Just $5 for 3 monthsAlready a subscriber? Log in