FORMER MP and opposition leader Sir De Villiers Graaff (85) died on his farm De Grendel outside Cape Town on Monday afternoon. Graaff, who was leader of the opposition United Party for 27 years, died after a short illness. Graaff became leader of the United Party in 1956 and held the position until 1977 when he retired. He was also a Member of Parliament from 1948 to 1977, holding seats mostly in the now-defunct Cape Province.