Possible Clues:

• Unpleasant people right to present tale of woe
• Excuse that's often exaggerated
• It may elicit sympathy
• Boy's sort to be moved by sad tale
• Born during emergency call, Conservative generates sympathy thus
• What's borne primarily in message of distress by one who's blue?
• Urgent message by politician British received as unhappy tale
• Pitiful tale told to arouse sympathy
• Plea for sympathy from Tory boss
• Long, drawn-out excuse