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In November 2018, Steve Bannon, formerly Donald Trump's chief strategist, was in 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 night, told Jeffrey Epstein in an message: "Activists delayed speech don't think I can catch the plane we are heading to heathrow".

Epstein responded: "There. Is a Gulf Air departing at 9:50 with a layover in Bahrain". Bannon replied: "You are an amazing assistant".

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

The disclosure by the Congressional committee contains an text conversation where Bannon's name is withheld. The BBC has been able to confirm his involvement by matching the timeline, occurrences, and places referenced.

For instance, Epstein discusses arranging a jet from Scotland for the unnamed individual in the messages, and offers praise their "Oxford speech". Bannon participated in the News Xchange conference on 14 November, and delivered the speech at the Oxford two days later.

Bannon, who is not accused of any misconduct, did not reply on the inquiry.

Epstein's Assurance to Bannon

Bannon served as Trump's closest aides in the lead-up to the 2016 election and during the initial phase of his first administration, but stepped down from the administration in August 2017.

He has acknowledged he was producing a film about Epstein prior to his death and allegedly has approximately 15 hours of footage. In a recording of his show recently, he stated: "We're going to publish the film, the five-part series, in the coming year - at the start of next year."

But the newly released materials suggest Bannon's relationship with Epstein extended than documenting his life, with the convicted paedophile at times seeming to act like a aide.

A few days prior to the exchange in which Epstein seemed to booked a private plane for Bannon, Epstein remarked: "what's it like to have the most highly paid booking agent in the world ".

Bannon expressed gratitude: "You are pretty good asst", to which Epstein responded "Therapies. Excluded".

Discussing a trip to "Abu Dhabi" in another message, Epstein assured Bannon: "I will ensure you're well looked after."

UK Politics Discussed in Exchanges

The published messages also reveal Bannon and Epstein talking about UK politics in that year.

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

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

Epstein advised Bannon: "I think remaining as long as you can uk. Best-- so others see the commitment of your follow-up."

Shortly after, Epstein inquired: "Can Theresa May remain in power". Bannon replied: "It seems unlikely BUT the people here have little courage" and noted "Johnson ; Gove; Rees Mogg; David Davis - somebody has to take charge".

May was finally toppled in 2019 after withstanding multiple attempts of no confidence in December 2018.

A representative for the political party informed media: "Nigel Farage has never been in a meeting with Steve Bannon, Jacob Rees Mogg and Boris Johnson." And there is nothing to suggest such a meeting took place.

The US House of Representatives will decide soon on whether the justice department should release all its files related to its investigation into Epstein, who passed away in prison in that year.

Attention in Epstein's relationships with influential individuals was renewed recently after the publication of more than 20,000 pages from his archives.

A portion of those referenced Trump, who has consistently denied any impropriety. The president was a friend of Epstein's for a long time, but says they fell out in the early 2000s, a couple of years prior to Epstein was initially charged.