Which public figure has appealed most to cryptic setters this year?

Who were crosswording’s stars of 2024?

Neither of the names Starmer nor Badenoch much captured the imagination of setters this year, beyond Dynamo noticing that the prime minister’s surname provides a handy anagram of ARMREST. (Picaroon, in our beginner-friendly quiptic, also noticed that SUPERMARKET is an anagram of STARMER PUKE.)

5d What things can only get for Rishi’s campaign official? (6)
[ double definition ]

1,14,7ac If then high debt, thief, now it’s different (as often heard at 8,29) (4,3,7,2,9)
[ wordplay: anagram (‘different’) of IFTHENHIGHDEBTTHIEFNOWITS ]
[ definition: effectively a catchphrase of the inquiry ]

14a Powerful scent: a billionaire’s characteristic? (9)
[ wordplay: playful definition ]
[ definition: powerful scent ]

8d Taylor Swift cut touring – hard opening in UK? (6,5)
[ wordplay: anagram (‘touring’) of TAYLORSWIFT without final letter (‘cut’) + abbrev. for ‘hard’ ]
[ definition: (coastal) opening in UK ]

24a Star has been here – problem for Starmer’s lot? (5,4)
[ double definition ]

5d Adapts Swift etc for the audience (7)
[ wordplay: soundalike (‘for the audience’) of Swift & her namesakes ]
[ definition: adapts ]

21d Pop star’s prompt (5)
[ double definition ]