Brett Herron, who formerly served as Cape Town’s Mayoral Committee Member for Urban Development and Transport has resigned from the Democratic Alliance. He announced his resignation to the media at the site of the old Salt River market, which was intended for social housing.

Herron’s resignation followed the resignation of former executive mayor Patricia De Lille. His resignation brings the total to nine DA resignations in the Cape Town City Council.

Herron claims he has resigned after the City blocked his plans to build social housing on the Salt River site. Herron has been praised by housing activist group, Reclaim The City, for his commitment to social housing.

The Democratic Alliance is South Africa’s official opposition party. They also politically control the City of Cape Town as well as the Western Cape. The Western Cape is the only province in South Africa not controlled by the ruling African National Congress.