You can calculate 48 by 1 + 47 (ten words in total). However, 21 32 12 23 47 (nine words in total). The remaining unclued lights are the two authors who said so.

        Across

14    Not so sure judge needs latitude to be good (6)

17    Sacred halls rebuilt in poor area (7)

18    9 stocks such organs (4)

19    Woman wanting hospital to make changes (4)

20    Sign of aging, like an Irish circus, say? (4,4)

22    German idioms translated in the style of a letter (7)

26    Weather problem has troubled swimmer (6)

27    Bridge player quick to change lead (4)

28    Painting over withdrawn mixture (4)

29    Courage without power, a quality Napoleon valued (4)

30    Try nuts when upset (4)

31    Raid on ground? (6)

35    Noisy generation? (7)

37    Muse about answer in a game (6)

41    What’s left in division? (4)

43    No silence in rush hour in urban region (4)

45    Payment determined (7)

46    Accessory coloured in layers (6)

        Down

   2    Funny girl almost promises to pay (9)

   3    Frenchman in republic snubbed ruler (4)

   4    27 judged, raising irritated reaction (5)

   5    Low day – because of this? (4)

   6    Stupid supporter, fashionably late? (5-4)

   7    Take one into aesthetic curio (6)

   8    Soldier in amusing ceremony, like ‘death cap’ (9)

   9    Car that goes slowly tries electromotive force (6)

10    Club evening requirement (4)

11    Careless fielders jog around Perth (8)

13    Euros converted by France’s law codes (6)

15    Break Republicans’ building? (2,4)

16    City rivals for Sharks or Giants (4)

24    Salad cheers British parliament’s hearts (9)

25    Complaint mentioned bad back (9)

30    Web developer superhero saving man (6)

33    Fencing cut author (6)

34    Pedlar accepting shilling for king’s cable (6)

36    Flourish without one slave (4)

39    Special charm attributed to the capital of Italy (5)

40    Two athletes stifling rude word (4)

42    Covering animal with twisted tail (4)

44    Biblical artefact, four immense shields (4)

Download a printable version here.

A first prize of £30 for the first correct solution opened on 25 September. There are two runners-up prizes of £20. 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 2621, The Spectator, 22 Old Queen Street, London SW1H 9HP. Please allow six weeks for prize delivery.

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