So why did the Cons' insist that they were not going to raise VAT?

Everything they said pre election means nothing whatsoever and should have been taken with a huge pinch of salt. The Tory philosophy is the same as mushroom growers, keep them in the dark and feed them shite. The day the coalition was agreed all slates were wiped, promises conveniently dumped and the hidden agenda of both sides came into view. Once again the 'haves' have scored so nothing new there and once again the soft targets are being got at. It will be interesting to see how the suicide rate spirals up again now that the Tories are back as this lot are back with avengence.