Possible Clues:

• Flipping politician in charge of the party loses the head, more or less
• Virtually in St Malo travelling
• 'You're not that far off'
• Virtually unlimited hats, comprising three different sizes
• Virtually in St Malo touring
• Sick ma lost? Very nearly!
• A Liberal has greatest following? Not quite
• Close (but not quite)
• Next to calm host when starters don't appear
• Very nearly skinned fish and gutted smelt