Ed Miliband was last night accused of snubbing Britain’s army of self-employed workers – for refusing to send them a special Election message. The Labour leader prompted claims that he was worried about upsetting his party’s ‘union paymasters’. In a special Election edition, the magazine of the respected Association of Independent Professionals and the Self-Employed (IPSE) carries tributes from nearly every major party leader to people who work for themselves. Scroll down for video . No message: Ed Miliband was last night accused of snubbing Britain’s army of self-employed workers – for refusing to send them a special Election message in the IPSE magazine . But while David Cameron, Nick Clegg, Nigel Farage and Nicola Sturgeon all feature, there is no message from Mr Miliband. Instead, the magazine has pointedly published a blank page where his contribution would have been – with a sharp rebuke. It reads: ‘Despite repeated requests, Labour leader Ed Miliband decided not to take up IPSE’s offer to outline his views on the UK’s 4.5 million self-employed.’ Last night, IPSE chief executive Chris Bryce said: ‘We were disappointed that Mr Miliband didn’t take up our offer to engage with this vibrant community.’ Refused to contribute: While David Cameron, Nick Clegg, Nigel Farage and Nicola Sturgeon all feature, there is no message from Mr Miliband in the magazine . But one leading self-employed businessman said: ‘Labour depends on union subscriptions for funding and in reality, few of the self-employed are union members. This is not so much a slap in the face to the self-employed as a left hook.’ Labour last night denied it had delivered a snub. A party spokesman said: ‘We want to do all we can to ensure a better deal for self-employed people.’ But the Conservatives and Lib Dems seized on the row. Tory chairman Grant Shapps said: ‘Some of our greatest success stories started with a self-employed person and an idea. 'Ed Miliband’s approach is to snub enterprising people and tax them into the ground.’ Lib Dem Treasury Chief Secretary Danny Alexander said: ‘This is another Labour slap in the face for the millions of self-employed who bring energy and dynamism to our economy. This is a vital sector that deserves respect and admiration. ‘Every time figures show this sector is growing, Labour sneer.’
The magazine usually carries tributes from nearly every major party leader . Where Milband's message is expected, the page is blank with sharp rebuke . Chief of self-employed organisation, IPSE, called decision 'disappointing'