Premiership of Tony Blair elected Labour leader as the only successfully nominated candidate with 313 nominations compared to John McDonnell's 29 at close of nominations on 17 May 2007, the result being declared formally and coming into effect on 24 June 2007 with Tony Blair resigning as Prime Minister on 27 June 2007 and Gordon Brown being asked to form a government by The Queen later that day. Blair stepped down as an MP immediately triggering a by-election in Sedgefield. He has declined the traditional seat in the House of Lords offered to former Prime Ministers, commenting that it is, "not my scene" Tony
Ex officio member may not be limited by the body's regulations or bylaws. In some groups "ex officio" members may frequently abstain from voting. Any "ex officio" membership (for example, of committees, or of the board) is as defined by the nonprofit association's bylaws or other documents of authority. For example, the bylaws quite often provide that the organization's president will be "ex officio" a member of all committees, except the nominating committee. The Vice-President of India is "ex officio" Chairman of Rajya Sabha, the Upper House of the Indian Parliament. The Prime Minister of India is "ex officio" Chairman of NITI Aayog.