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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 prestigious Oxford Union.

The event was disrupted by hundreds of protesters, and Bannon, scheduled to travel that night, informed Jeffrey Epstein in an email: "Activists slowed down speech I doubt I can catch the flight we r enroute to the airport".

Epstein responded: "There. Is a gulf air that leaves at 950 with a layover in Bahrain". Bannon answered: "U r an excellent assistant".

These messages were published on Wednesday together with 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 identity is redacted. The BBC managed to confirm his involvement by matching the dates, events, and locations mentioned.

For example, Epstein talks about chartering a plane from Scotland for the redacted user in the chat, and offers praise their "Oxford speech". Bannon participated in the Edinburgh conference on 14 November, and delivered the speech at the Oxford Union two days later.

Bannon, who is not accused of any misconduct, did not reply on the inquiry.

'I'll make sure you're well looked after'

Bannon served as Trump's key advisers in the lead-up to the presidential election and in the early days of his presidency, but stepped down from the White House in 2017.

He has admitted he was making a film about Epstein prior to his passing and allegedly has around 15 hours of footage. In a recording of his show earlier this year, he said: "We plan to release the series, the five-part series, next year - early next year."

But the newly released materials indicate Bannon's connection with Epstein extended than documenting his life, with the convicted paedophile at times 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 the world ".

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

Discussing a trip to "Abu Dhabi" in another message, Epstein told Bannon: "I will ensure you are taken care of."

British Affairs Mentioned in Exchanges

The published communications also reveal Bannon and Epstein discussing British political matters in that year.

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

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

Epstein suggested Bannon: "I think staying as long as you can uk. Ideal- so others see the commitment of your follow through."

Soon after, Epstein asked: "Can Theresa May survive". Bannon answered: "It seems unlikely BUT the guys over here have little courage" and noted "Johnson ; Michael Gove; Jacob Rees-Mogg; David Davis - someone has to step up".

Theresa May was finally toppled in 2019 after withstanding two votes of lack of support in December 2018.

A representative for the political party told the BBC: "Nigel Farage has never been in a meeting with Bannon, Jacob Rees Mogg and Johnson." And there is no evidence such a meeting occurred.

The US House of Representatives will vote soon on whether the Department of Justice should make public all its records related to its probe into Epstein, who died in jail in 2019.

Interest in Epstein's associations with powerful figures was reignited recently after the publication of over 20,000 pages from his estate.

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