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In November 2018, Steve Bannon, previously a top aide to Donald Trump, visited the UK preparing for a speech at the prestigious Oxford Union.

The speech was interrupted by numerous protesters, and Bannon, who was due to travel that evening, told Jeffrey Epstein in an email: "Protesters slowed down speech I doubt I can make the plane we are heading to the airport".

Epstein responded: "That. Is a Gulf Air that leaves at 950 with a stop in Bahrain". Bannon replied: "You are an amazing assistant".

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

The disclosure by the House oversight committee contains an iMessage chat where Bannon's name is withheld. The BBC has been able to establish his identity by cross-referencing the timeline, events, and places mentioned.

For example, Epstein discusses arranging a jet from Scotland for the unnamed individual in the chat, and commends their "Oxford speech". Bannon took part in the News Xchange conference on November 14, and delivered the speech at the Oxford two days later.

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

Epstein's Assurance to Bannon

Bannon served as Trump's closest advisers in the run up to the 2016 election and during the initial phase of his presidency, but resigned from the administration in 2017.

He has admitted he was producing a film about Epstein before his death and reportedly has approximately 15 hours of footage. In a live taping of his show earlier this year, he stated: "We're going to release the film, the multi-part documentary, in the coming year - early next year."

But the newly released documents suggest Bannon's connection with Epstein went further than being his biographer, with the disgraced financier occasionally seeming to act like a aide.

A short time before the exchange in which Epstein seemed to arranged a private plane for Bannon, Epstein said: "what's it like to have the highest-paid travel agent in history ".

Bannon thanked him: "You are pretty good assistant", to which Epstein replied "Massages. Excluded".

Discussing a visit to "AD" in a separate text, Epstein assured Bannon: "I will ensure you are taken care of."

British Affairs Mentioned in Messages

The published communications also show Bannon and Epstein discussing UK politics in that year.

Earlier on the same day his speech at the Oxford, Bannon texted Epstein: "I became involved in the EU exit issue this morning with Nigel, Johnson and Rees Mogg."

Then, in what seems like a allusion to Theresa May, the embattled UK prime minister at the period, he added: "The guys are attempting to proceed. may today / tomorrow…"

Epstein suggested Bannon: "I think remaining as long as you can in the UK. Ideal- so people see the dedication of your follow-up."

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

Theresa May was finally removed in 2019 after surviving multiple attempts of no confidence in late 2018.

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

The Congress will decide soon on whether the justice department should make public all its files related to its probe 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 pages from his estate.

Some of those mentioned the former president, who has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing. The president was a acquaintance of Epstein's for years, but says they fell out in the 2000s, a couple of years prior to Epstein was initially charged.