He still enjoyed Beaufort's favour, and retaining his place in the council was employed on important missions, especially at the congress of Arras in 1435, and the conference at Calais in 1438.

He supported William de la Pole, Earl of Suffolk over the king's marriage with Margaret of Anjou; but afterwards there arose some difference between them, due in part to a dispute about the nomination of the cardinal's nephew, Thomas Kempe, to the bishopric of London.

In spite of his age and infirmity he showed some vigour in dealing with Jack Cade's rebellion, and by his official experience and skill did what he could for four years to sustain the king's authority.

[2] Kemp was rewarded by his translation to Canterbury in July 1452,[12] when Pope Nicholas V added as a special honour the title of cardinal-bishop of Santa Rufina.

[13] As Richard of York gained influence, Kemp became unpopular; men called him "the cursed cardinal," and his fall seemed imminent[2] when he died suddenly on 22 March 1454.