10.—(1) The Authority or the relevant appointing body may suspend the appointment of any member against whom criminal proceedings are commenced.
(2) Where—
(a)the member is acquitted of the offence; or
(b)the proceedings are discontinued or withdrawn,
the suspension ends on the acquittal, discontinuance or withdrawal.
(3) If the member is the chair, the member is also suspended as chair for the period of the suspension of membership.
(4) A council member whose membership of the relevant appointing body is suspended is, for the period of that suspension, also suspended—
(a)as a member of the Authority; and
(b)if the council member is the chair, as chair.