Doris Schröder-Köpf leaves Lower Saxony state parliament

Doris Schröder-Köpf has left Lower Saxony’s state parliament after more than 13 years as an SPD lawmaker.

She represents the Hannover-Döhren area and first entered the parliament in 2013.

She is stepping down for personal and health reasons, according to reports, and had already said she would not seek re-election.

Schröder-Köpf, 63, previously served as the state’s commissioner for migration and participation and most recently chaired its committee on internal affairs and sport.

Her work also included support for children and young people, including reading projects and services for people facing drug problems.

Her departure comes about a year before the next state election, though she had already ruled out running again.

The SPD has thanked her for her work; no further plans for her were reported.