Councillors have ordered a review of how the complaints were handled. It is understood an independent investigator will be appointed to lead this in the coming weeks.
A Police Scotland investigation is already underway into alleged ‘inappropriate behaviour’ by the Labour councillor following two reports to the council’s whistleblowing service in 2023.
A freedom of information request showed the earliest complaint made directly to the council about Day was received on May, 16 2018, when he was serving as deputy leader of the council under the previous SNP-Labour coalition.
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Kevin Lang, leader of the council’s Lib Dem group, said: “The fact the Council received complaints about Cllr Day as long as seven years ago shows why it is so important to have a full independent review.
“There needs to be a proper and impartial look at what was known, when it was known, and how information was handled.
“I know work is underway to identify who is best placed to undertake a review. Hopefully, councillors will be able to make a formal appointment next month.”
Subsequent to this a complaint about Cllr Day was sent on March, 20 2023, and a ‘concern’ was raised with the authority on December 11 2023, in addition to the two whistleblowing disclosures on November 5 and December 18 the same year.
The Herald requested details on what the nature of the complaints were and how they were followed up, however this part of the freedom of information request was refused.
Mr Day declined to comment.
In his resignation statement which came following mounting calls for him to step down from all political parties in the City Chamber, he did not directly address claims reported by the Sunday Mail he “bombarded” the refugees with texts asking about their sexual preferences and asking to meet up.
He did not issue an apology either, instead adding: “The recent commentary on my personal life is detracting from the important work this Labour-led council does for the people of Edinburgh.
“It undermines the dedicated efforts of my colleagues and council officers.
“That’s why it’s time for me to step aside as leader.
“I have yet to be contacted by the police but want to reiterate that I will cooperate fully with their ongoing inquiries.”
City of Edinburgh Council was approached for a comment.