One unclued light (2 words) labels the others (two of 3 words and one of 5 words, each spread across two entries).

        Across

10    If I could cut down showing contempt for Shakespeare … (4)

14    Dispute what stroke does? (3)

15    We should explain coda? (8)

17    They don’t fly about when filled with hydrogen (5)

18    Revolution where TV show’s researchers work? (7)

19    Arrested democrat by French square (6)

22    One making checks for bed canopy (6)

24    Maiden leaves inadequate bore (5)

26    King Charles to flourish uncrowned, in place used at intervals (5,4)

27    Supermarket’s punch – it sent signals (5,4)

29    Permission to resign (5)

31    Blair, so-called creator of doublethink (6)

34    French leader’s non-French accent (6)

38    Feeling excited and awkward, with couples swapping? (5)

40    Described sheep’s milk? (3)

41    Voluntary director pursues poor annual rise (name withheld) (10)

42    What’s found in higher nest (4)

43    It’s not true I excited Aunt Dotty (12)

         Down

   2    Stinking rich, but not well brought up? (4-6)

   3    Aussie natives with very skilled trades (7)

   4    Heard joints explode with irritation (5)

   5    Desperate man and pickpocket inform old pipsqueak (9)

   6    Expert champion gets uniform for India (6)

   7    Admit protein has no power (3,2)

   8    S African people sent up are so cross (4)

13    Bet engagement’s missed in Dad and Mum penning one nuptial ode (12)

16    Creature among cockles and whelks, one way or another (3)

19    This plant might supply seeds, with one part multiplied fourfold (6)

20    Goal with this poll is to name famous actress? (6)

23    Four claim to be ill, emitting gas (9)

25    One doesn’t hang around otter playing with egg (2-6)

28    Matching clothes in two 80s movies? (7)

30    Listener’s problem puzzle ultimately accepted by editor at last with a kiss (6)

32    What rube might call Georgia Lambert? (3)

33    Lewis character, apparently initially killed at first, I missed (5)

35    Hooter that is painful to suffer (5)

37    Shakespearean bears include panda in species finally (4)

Download a printable version here.

A first prize of £30 and two runners-up prizes of £20 for the first correct solutions opened on  10 July. Please scan or photograph entries and email them (including the crossword number in the subject field) to crosswords@spectator.co.uk, or post to: Crossword 2609, The Spectator, 22 Old Queen Street, London SW1H 9HP.

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