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

The event was interrupted by hundreds of demonstrators, and Bannon, scheduled to travel that evening, told Jeffrey Epstein in an message: "Protesters delayed my talk don't think I can make the plane we r enroute to the airport".

Epstein responded: "That. Is a Gulf Air that leaves at 950 with a stop in Bahrain". Bannon answered: "U r an excellent assistant".

These messages were released on this week together with over 20,000 documents from the estate of Epstein, the late convicted sex offender.

The disclosure by the Congressional committee contains an iMessage chat where Bannon's name is withheld. The BBC managed to confirm his identity by cross-referencing the timeline, occurrences, and locations mentioned.

For instance, Epstein discusses arranging a jet from Scotland for the unnamed individual in the messages, and commends their "address at Oxford". Bannon took part in the News Xchange conference on November 14, and gave the talk at the Oxford on November 16.

Bannon, who is not accused of any wrongdoing, 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 2016 election and in the early days of his first administration, but stepped down from the administration in August 2017.

He has acknowledged he was producing a film about Epstein before his death and reportedly has around 15 hours of recordings. In a live taping of his podcast recently, he stated: "We're going to release the series, the multi-part documentary, next year - at the start of next year."

But the recently disclosed documents suggest Bannon's connection with Epstein went further than documenting his life, with the convicted paedophile occasionally appearing to serve like a personal assistant.

A short time before the exchange in which Epstein appeared to have booked a private plane for Bannon, Epstein remarked: "what's it like to have the highest-paid travel agent in the world ".

Bannon thanked him: "You are quite capable asst", to which Epstein replied "Therapies. Not Included".

Discussing a trip to "Abu Dhabi" in another message, Epstein assured Bannon: "I will ensure you're taken care of."

British Affairs Mentioned in Exchanges

The published communications also reveal Bannon and Epstein discussing UK politics in 2018.

On the day of his address at the Oxford, Bannon texted Epstein: "I've gotten pulled into the EU exit thing this morning with Farage, Johnson and Mogg."

Then, in what seems like a allusion to the UK prime minister, the embattled UK prime minister at the time, he continued: "They are trying to move on. may soon…"

Epstein advised Bannon: "I think staying as long as you can in the UK. Best-- so people get the dedication of your follow-up."

Shortly after, Epstein asked: "Will Theresa may remain in power". Bannon replied: "I don't see how BUT the guys here have no balls" and noted "Johnson ; Michael Gove; Jacob Rees-Mogg; Davis - someone has to step up".

May was eventually toppled in 2019 after surviving multiple attempts of lack of support in December 2018.

A spokesman for the political party told media: "Nigel Farage has never been in a gathering with Steve Bannon, Jacob Rees Mogg and Boris Johnson." And there is no evidence that encounter took place.

The US House of Representatives will decide soon on whether the justice department should make public all its records concerning its investigation into Epstein, who passed away in prison in that year.

Attention in Epstein's relationships with powerful figures was reignited this week after the release of more than 20,000 documents from his archives.

A portion of those referenced the former president, who has consistently rejected any impropriety. The president was a acquaintance of Epstein's for years, but says they fell out in the 2000s, two years prior to Epstein was first arrested.