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In November 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 evening, informed Jeffrey Epstein in an email: "Protesters delayed my talk don't think I can catch the plane we are heading to heathrow".

Epstein replied: "There. Is a gulf air departing at 950 with a stop in Bahrain". Bannon replied: "You are an excellent assistant".

These exchanges were released on this week together with over 20,000 pages from the records of Epstein, the late financier convicted of sex crimes.

The disclosure by the Congressional committee contains an iMessage chat where Bannon's name is redacted. The BBC managed to confirm his involvement by matching the dates, events, and locations referenced.

For instance, Epstein discusses arranging a plane from the UK for the redacted user in the messages, and offers praise their "Oxford speech". Bannon took part in the Edinburgh conference on 14 November, and gave the speech at the Oxford two days later.

Bannon, who is not accused of any misconduct, declined to comment on the request for comment.

Epstein's Assurance to Bannon

Bannon was one of Trump's key aides in the lead-up to the 2016 election and during the initial phase of his first administration, but stepped down from the White House in 2017.

He has admitted he was making a documentary about Epstein prior to his death and allegedly has approximately 15 hours of recordings. In a recording of his show earlier this year, 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 seeming to act like a personal assistant.

A few days before the conversation in which Epstein appeared to have arranged a private plane for Bannon, Epstein remarked: "what's it like to have the highest-paid travel agent in history ".

Bannon expressed gratitude: "You are quite capable assistant", to which Epstein replied "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 published messages also reveal Bannon and Epstein talking about UK politics in that year.

On the same day his speech at the Oxford Union, Bannon texted Epstein: "I've gotten pulled into the EU exit thing this day with Nigel, Johnson and Mogg."

Then, in what appears to be a allusion to Theresa May, the embattled British leader at the period, he continued: "The guys are attempting to proceed. May soon…"

Epstein advised Bannon: "I think staying as much as you can in the UK. Ideal- so people get the dedication of your follow through."

Soon after, Epstein asked: "Will Theresa May survive". Bannon replied: "It seems unlikely BUT the people here have no balls" and added "Johnson ; Michael Gove; Rees Mogg; David Davis - somebody has to take charge".

Theresa May was finally removed in May 2019 after withstanding two votes of no confidence in December 2018.

A spokesman for Reform UK told media: "Nigel Farage has not been in a gathering with Bannon, Rees-Mogg and Boris Johnson." And there is nothing to suggest such a meeting occurred.

The Congress will decide soon on whether the Department of Justice should release all its files concerning its investigation into Epstein, who passed away in jail in 2019.

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

A portion of those referenced the former president, who has consistently rejected any wrongdoing. The president was a acquaintance of Epstein's for a long time, but claims they parted ways in the 2000s, a couple of years prior to Epstein was initially charged.