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

The event was interrupted by hundreds of protesters, and Bannon, scheduled to board a flight that night, informed Jeffrey Epstein in an email: "Protesters delayed my talk don't think I can catch the plane we are heading to the airport".

Epstein replied: "There. Is a Gulf Air that leaves at 9:50 with a layover in Bahrain". Bannon answered: "You are an excellent assistant".

These exchanges were released on Wednesday alongside over 20,000 documents from the estate of Epstein, the late convicted sex offender.

The disclosure by the Congressional committee includes an text conversation where Bannon's name is redacted. The BBC has been able to confirm his identity by cross-referencing the dates, events, and places mentioned.

For example, Epstein discusses chartering a plane from the UK for the unnamed individual in the messages, and commends their "address at Oxford". Bannon took part in the Edinburgh conference on November 14, and gave the talk at the Oxford Union two days later.

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 lead-up to the presidential election and in the early days of his first administration, but resigned from the administration in August 2017.

He has acknowledged he was producing a film about Epstein prior to his death and allegedly has around 15 hours of footage. In a live taping of his show earlier this year, he stated: "We're going to release the series, the multi-part documentary, next year - at the start of next year."

But the newly released documents suggest Bannon's connection with Epstein extended than being his biographer, with the disgraced financier occasionally appearing to serve like a aide.

A few days prior to the exchange in which Epstein appeared to have booked a private plane for Bannon, Epstein remarked: "how does it feel to have the highest-paid travel agent in history ".

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

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

UK Politics Mentioned in Exchanges

The released communications also show Bannon and Epstein discussing British political matters in that year.

Earlier on the same day his speech at the Oxford, Bannon texted Epstein: "I've gotten pulled into the Brexit issue this day with Farage, Johnson and Mogg."

Then, in what seems like a allusion to Theresa May, the embattled UK prime minister at the time, he continued: "They are trying to move on. May today / tomorrow…"

Epstein suggested Bannon: "In my view staying as long as you can uk. Ideal- so others get the commitment of your follow-up."

Soon after, Epstein inquired: "Will Theresa May remain in power". Bannon answered: "It seems unlikely however the people here have little courage" and added "Johnson ; Gove; Rees Mogg; David Davis - someone has to take charge".

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

A representative for the political party informed the BBC: "Nigel Farage has not been in a meeting with Bannon, Rees-Mogg and Boris Johnson." And there is nothing to suggest that encounter occurred.

The US House of Representatives will vote next week on whether the justice department should make public all its files concerning its probe into Epstein, who passed away in prison in that year.

Interest in Epstein's relationships with influential individuals was renewed this week after the release of over 20,000 documents from his estate.

Some of those referenced the former president, who has repeatedly rejected any impropriety. The leader was a acquaintance of Epstein's for years, but claims they parted ways in the early 2000s, a couple of years prior to Epstein was initially charged.