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In November 2018, Steve Bannon, formerly Donald Trump's chief strategist, was in the UK to deliver a speech at the Oxford Union.

The speech was disrupted by numerous demonstrators, and Bannon, who was due to board a flight that evening, told Jeffrey Epstein in an email: "Protesters slowed down speech I doubt I can make the plane we are heading to heathrow".

Epstein replied: "There. Is a gulf air that leaves at 9:50 with a stop in Bahrain". Bannon replied: "U r an excellent assistant".

These messages were published on Wednesday alongside more than 20,000 pages from the estate of Epstein, the late convicted sex offender.

The release by the Congressional committee includes an text conversation where Bannon's name is redacted. The BBC managed to confirm his involvement by matching the timeline, events, and places referenced.

For example, Epstein talks about arranging a jet from the UK for the unnamed individual in the chat, and commends their "address at Oxford". Bannon took part in the Edinburgh conference on 14 November, and gave the talk at the Oxford Union on November 16.

Bannon, who faces no allegations of any misconduct, did not reply on the inquiry.

Epstein's Assurance to Bannon

Bannon was one of Trump's key aides in the run up to the presidential election and in the early days of his presidency, but resigned from the administration in 2017.

He has acknowledged he was producing a documentary about Epstein prior to his death and reportedly has approximately 15 hours of recordings. In a live taping of his show recently, he said: "We plan to publish the series, the five-part series, next year - early next year."

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

A few days prior to the conversation in which Epstein seemed to booked a charter jet for Bannon, Epstein said: "what's it like to have the most highly paid travel agent in history ".

Bannon thanked him: "U r quite capable assistant", to which Epstein replied "Massages. Not Included".

Discussing a visit to "Abu Dhabi" in a separate text, Epstein assured Bannon: "I'll make sure you're taken care of."

UK Politics Discussed in Messages

The released messages also reveal Bannon and Epstein discussing UK politics in that year.

On the same day his address at the Oxford Union, Bannon messaged Epstein: "I've gotten pulled into the EU exit issue this day with Farage, Boris and Mogg."

Then, in what seems like a allusion to Theresa May, the embattled British leader at the time, he added: "The guys are trying to proceed. may today / tomorrow…"

Epstein advised Bannon: "I think staying as long as you can in the UK. Ideal- so others get the commitment of your follow-up."

Shortly after, Epstein asked: "Can Theresa May survive". Bannon answered: "I don't see how however the guys here have little courage" and added "Boris ; Gove; Jacob Rees-Mogg; David Davis - someone has to step up".

Theresa May was eventually removed in 2019 after withstanding multiple attempts of lack of support in December 2018.

A representative for Reform UK told media: "Nigel Farage has never been in a gathering with Bannon, Rees-Mogg and Boris Johnson." And there is no evidence that encounter occurred.

The US House of Representatives will vote next week on whether the justice department should make public all its files related to its investigation into Epstein, who died in prison in that year.

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

A portion of those mentioned Trump, who has consistently denied any wrongdoing. The president was a friend of Epstein's for years, but claims they fell out in the early 2000s, two years prior to Epstein was initially charged.