Labor MPs have been told to focus their attention on the cost of living or risk an electoral backlash, as the government battles the fallout from rising interest rates and energy prices.

Labor’s internal research reflects the findings of public polls – that the cost of living is by far the main concern of voters – and ALP National Secretary Paul Erickson delivered a blunt message to the caucus this week on the same day the Reserve Bank of Australia hiked interest rates for the ninth time in succession.