On 17 March 1648, he was renominated chief commissioner of the great seal together with another lord and two commoners, but took no part in the trial or death of the king. He remained in office until the commons voted the abolition of the House of Lords on 6 February 1649, and two days after placed the seal in other hands.
In March 1648, he was reinstated as chief commissioner of the great seal in conjunction with another peer and two non-noble individuals, but remained impartial during the king's trial and subsequent demise. He stayed in office until the House of Commons voted to dismantle the House of Lords on February 6, 1649, and then transferred the seal to a new authority.