In 1017, Yorimichi was promoted to Naidaijin (Minister of the Center) as well as being commanded by imperial proclamation to replace his father as Regent and was made head of the Fujiwara clan.
翌同6年（1017年）頼通は内大臣に進むとともに、父に代わって摂政の宣下を受け藤原氏長者も譲られた。