As the Herald revealed on August 11, Gawler Council has conducted three inquiries into allegations of misconduct against Mr Sambell during the current term of government.

The nature of the allegations has not been made public.

However, Gawler Council chief executive officer Stephen Kerrigan said in each matter, the council determined that in its view the mayor had “acted inappropriately.”

“There were three previous allegations - those allegations of breaches to council’s code of conduct were investigated and those investigations are confidential,” he said.

“But the outcome of those investigations was that the mayor has apologised to the people concerned.

“There was once instance where there was an apology to a member of staff, another to an elected member and another to members of a council committee.”

The complaints were lodged in 2007, 2008 and 2009.

While Mr Kerrigan said the matters “have been dealt with,” the council did ask Mr Sambell to work on his communication skills.

“The request was from council for the mayor to improve his communication skills,” he said.

Mr Sambell said the allegations centered on his candidness.

“Sometimes I can be outspoken and every time I was outspoken,” he said.

But Mr Sambell said he has “done a lot of training since then.”

“What I’ve learned in this industry is you’ve got to bite your tongue,” he said. “What you’d like to say you have to think about the position you’re carrying.”