Possible Clues:

• Strictly speaking, that would be contrary
• Compassionate
• It's not, strictly speaking, for nine in the let
• Liberal Tory leader after leftie taking in English
• Disconnect line moment mother leaves. It's not hard
• Let it be about 9, but not strictly speaking
• Pole that's put in fast — that's not too hard
• Not severe in punishing
• One space in penitential season is not too harsh
• One might not strictly speaking allow this to be about nine