Unions poured scorn yesterday on Education Secretary Michael Gove's effort to become teachers' pet by backing "tougher" punishments for unruly pupils.

Litter-picking, scrubbing graffiti and writing lines are among traditional classroom discipline techniques Mr Gove wants to see make a return.

"People need to understand that there are consequences if they break those rules and teachers have the power to enforce them," he told the Andrew Marr show.

The Tory spoke about his discipline fettish before his Department for Education issues new guidelines this week.

NASUWT general secretary Chris Keates called it a "cheap" attempt to grab headlines with one eye on the next general election.

"Given the appalling track record of this coalition government in supporting teachers, the Secretary of State's claims that he wants to give teachers confidence to tackle pupil indiscipline will have a hollow ring in classrooms across the country," she said.

ATL leader Mary Bousted blasted Mr Gove's announcement as "bizarre" on Twitter.

It was an attempt to paint himself as a "nice guy" ahead of the next School Teachers' Review Body report, which will reveal how "overworked" teachers are, she said.

But she added: "It won't work. Michael Gove has lost it with the teachers."

Meanwhile Mr Gove was spanked by Lib Dem Schools Minister David Laws over his decision to sack Labour peer Sally Morgan as chair of school inspector Ofsted.

Labour education spokesman accused Nick Clegg and David Laws of "failing to prevent attempts by the Tories to politicise Ofsted," he said.