McCann family spokesman Clarence Mitchell joins CCHQ as head of media monitoring for the election

PR Week has the story:

"The Conservative Party has signed up Clarence Mitchell, best-known as spokesman for Madeleine McCann's parents, as the head of media monitoring for its general election campaign, PRWeek can exclusively reveal.

"Mitchell joins the Tory comms operation today, reporting directly to director of communications Andy Coulson. Mitchell, who was the director of the Government's media monitoring unit for two years (2005-2007) will take a back room role, monitoring the progress of the Tories' campaign in the media."

Mitchell, a former BBC News presenter, is a member of the Conservative Party in north London and also on the approved candidates' list.

Jonathan Isaby