Mass defections from Patricia de Lille’s party

Resignations are reportedly streaming in from Independent Democrats ward and list candidates, as well as ordinary members, over the party’s surprise switch to support the ANC in its failed bid for control of the Cape Town metro. Leader Patricia de Lille pledged not to form an alliance with any party before the mayoral election and candidates and members are now accusing her of betrayal. The Cape Argus reports that at least eight letters of resignation from ID representatives were faxed to the party last night, representing about four-thousand people. De Lille has dismissed the disgruntled members as “odd ones out” and says most party members are remaining loyal.