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In late 2018, Steve Bannon, formerly Donald Trump's chief strategist, visited the UK preparing for a speech at the Oxford Union.

The speech was interrupted by numerous protesters, and Bannon, scheduled to board a flight that evening, told Jeffrey Epstein in an message: "Protesters delayed my talk I doubt I can catch the plane we are heading to heathrow".

Epstein responded: "That. Is a gulf air that leaves at 9:50 with a stop in Bahrain". Bannon answered: "You are an amazing assistant".

These exchanges were released on this week alongside more than 20,000 documents from the estate of Epstein, the late financier convicted of sex crimes.

The release by the Congressional committee contains an text conversation where Bannon's name is withheld. The BBC has been able to establish his identity by matching the timeline, events, and locations referenced.

For example, Epstein talks about chartering a jet from the UK for the unnamed individual in the chat, and offers praise their "Oxford speech". Bannon took part in the News Xchange conference on November 14, and delivered the speech at the Oxford on November 16.

Bannon, who is not accused of any misconduct, declined to comment on the request for comment.

Epstein's Assurance to Bannon

Bannon was one of Trump's key advisers in the run up to the presidential election and in the early days of his first administration, but resigned from the White House in August 2017.

He has admitted he was producing a documentary about Epstein prior to his passing and reportedly has around 15 hours of footage. In a recording of his show earlier this year, he said: "We plan to publish the film, the multi-part documentary, next year - early next year."

But the recently disclosed materials indicate Bannon's connection with Epstein extended than being his biographer, with the convicted paedophile at times seeming to act like a aide.

A few days before the exchange in which Epstein appeared to have booked a charter jet for Bannon, Epstein remarked: "how does it feel to have the highest-paid travel agent in the world ".

Bannon expressed gratitude: "You are quite capable asst", to which Epstein responded "Massages. Not Included".

Discussing a visit to "AD" in a separate text, Epstein told Bannon: "I will ensure you're well looked after."

UK Politics Discussed in Messages

The published communications also reveal Bannon and Epstein discussing British political matters in that year.

On the day of his speech at the Oxford, Bannon texted Epstein: "I became involved in the Brexit issue this day with Farage, Boris and Rees Mogg."

Then, in what appears to be a allusion to the UK prime minister, the struggling British leader at the period, he continued: "The guys are trying to proceed. May today / tomorrow…"

Epstein advised Bannon: "In my view remaining as much as you can uk. Best-- so others get the dedication of your follow through."

Soon after, Epstein asked: "Will Theresa May remain in power". Bannon answered: "I don't see how however the guys over here have little courage" and added "Johnson ; Gove; Rees Mogg; David Davis - somebody has to take charge".

May was eventually toppled in 2019 after withstanding two votes of lack of support in late 2018.

A spokesman for the political party informed media: "Farage has never been in a gathering with Bannon, Jacob Rees Mogg and Johnson." And there is nothing to suggest that encounter occurred.

The US House of Representatives will vote next week on whether the Department of Justice should release all its records related to its probe into Epstein, who died in jail in that year.

Attention in Epstein's relationships with influential individuals was reignited this week after the release of over 20,000 pages from his archives.

A portion of those referenced Trump, who has repeatedly rejected any wrongdoing. The leader was a friend of Epstein's for years, but says they parted ways in the 2000s, a couple of years prior to Epstein was first arrested.