Kate and Gerry McCann dump key member of their team in bid to cut spiralling costs of hunt for missing tot

THE parents of Madeleine McCann have axed their long-serving spokesman in a bit cut costs.

Kate and Gerry dumped PR guru Clarence Mitchell after nine years as they face a cash crisis.

They have just five more weeks of Government funding towards the hunt for their missing girl.

The couple have vowed to use money from their official fund to continue the search themselves, adding:"We will continue to do everything we can to help find our daughter.

"Our hope and resolve continues.”

Gerry told Mr Mitchell in an email his "services were no longer needed" and he needed to "cut costs".

The former BBC journalist was said to be "hurt" but respects their "more pressing agenda".

The McCanns' fun stands at £480,000 but they lost a battle over a £434,000 libel payout involving former Portuguese police chief Goncalo Amaral.

It is the first time since the three-year-old went missing from a holiday flat in Praia da Luz, Portugal, in May 2007, that Kate and Gerry have not had a spokesman.

Mr Mitchell told the : “It makes perfect sense for Kate and Gerry to keep careful consideration over all their costs.
"I will continue to help them as circumstances require.”

Last week the Metropolitan Police announced it may push for more government cash to help the hunt for Maddie.

Brit cops were granted £95,000 to keep the investigation going in April.

But the cash is expected to run out in October.

The McCann's are bracing themselves for Scotland Yard ending the probe on October 5.

Cops have said there is now only one lead "worth pursuing".

We pay for your stories! Do you have a story for The Sun Online news team? Email us at tips@the-sun.co.uk or call 0207 782 4368