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

The event was disrupted by numerous demonstrators, and Bannon, who was due to travel that night, informed Jeffrey Epstein in an message: "Activists slowed down speech I doubt I can catch the flight we are heading to heathrow".

Epstein replied: "There. Is a Gulf Air departing at 950 with a layover in Bahrain". Bannon replied: "You are an excellent assistant".

These exchanges were released on Wednesday alongside more than 20,000 pages from the records of Epstein, the deceased financier convicted of sex crimes.

The disclosure by the Congressional committee includes an iMessage chat where Bannon's identity is withheld. The BBC managed to establish his identity by cross-referencing the timeline, events, and places referenced.

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

Bannon, who faces no allegations of any misconduct, did not reply on the request for comment.

Epstein's Assurance to Bannon

Bannon served as Trump's key aides in the lead-up to the presidential election and during the initial phase of his presidency, but resigned from the White House in August 2017.

He has admitted he was making a film about Epstein prior to his passing and reportedly has around 15 hours of footage. In a recording of his podcast earlier this year, he said: "We plan to release the film, the multi-part documentary, in the coming year - at the start of next year."

But the recently disclosed materials suggest Bannon's connection with Epstein went further than documenting his life, with the disgraced financier at times appearing to serve like a aide.

A short time prior to the conversation in which Epstein appeared to have arranged a private plane for Bannon, Epstein said: "how does it feel to have the most highly paid travel agent in the world ".

Bannon expressed gratitude: "U r quite capable asst", to which Epstein responded "Therapies. Excluded".

Discussing a visit to "Abu Dhabi" in a separate text, Epstein told Bannon: "I will ensure you're taken care of."

UK Politics Discussed in Messages

The released messages also show Bannon and Epstein talking about British political matters in that year.

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

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

Epstein advised Bannon: "In my view remaining as long as you can in the UK. Ideal- so people get the commitment of your follow-up."

Soon after, Epstein asked: "Will Theresa may remain in power". Bannon replied: "I don't see how however the people here have no balls" and added "Johnson ; Gove; Rees Mogg; Davis - somebody has to take charge".

May was eventually toppled in 2019 after withstanding two votes of no confidence in late 2018.

A representative for Reform UK informed the BBC: "Farage has never been in a meeting with Steve Bannon, Jacob Rees Mogg and Johnson." And there is nothing to suggest that encounter occurred.

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

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

A portion of those referenced Trump, who has repeatedly denied any impropriety. The president was a acquaintance of Epstein's for years, but claims they parted ways in the 2000s, two years prior to Epstein was initially charged.