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In November 2018, Steve Bannon, previously a top aide to Donald Trump, was in the UK preparing for a address at the Oxford Union.

The event was disrupted by numerous protesters, and Bannon, who was due to board a flight that evening, informed Jeffrey Epstein in an message: "Protesters delayed my talk don't think I can make the flight we r enroute to heathrow".

Epstein replied: "That. Is a Gulf Air that leaves at 9:50 with a layover in Bahrain". Bannon replied: "U r an amazing helper".

These exchanges were published on this week alongside over 20,000 pages from the records of Epstein, the deceased convicted sex offender.

The disclosure by the Congressional committee includes an iMessage chat where Bannon's identity is withheld. 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 Scotland for the redacted user in the chat, and commends their "address at Oxford". Bannon took part in the News Xchange conference on 14 November, and gave the talk at the Oxford two days later.

Bannon, who faces no allegations of any misconduct, declined to comment on the request for comment.

Epstein's Assurance to Bannon

Bannon served as the president's key aides in the run up to the 2016 election and during the initial phase of his presidency, but stepped down from the administration in August 2017.

He has acknowledged he was making a documentary about Epstein prior to his death and reportedly has around 15 hours of recordings. In a recording of his show earlier this year, he stated: "We're going to release the series, the multi-part documentary, next year - early next year."

But the newly released materials indicate Bannon's connection with Epstein extended than documenting his life, with the disgraced financier at times appearing to serve like a aide.

A few days before the exchange in which Epstein seemed to booked a charter jet for Bannon, Epstein remarked: "what's it like to have the most highly paid travel agent in the world ".

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

Discussing a trip to "Abu Dhabi" in another message, Epstein assured Bannon: "I will ensure you are well looked after."

UK Politics Mentioned in Messages

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

Earlier on the day of his address at the Oxford, Bannon texted Epstein: "I became involved in the EU exit issue this morning with Farage, Boris and Rees Mogg."

Then, in what seems like a allusion to Theresa May, the struggling British leader at the period, he continued: "They are trying to move on. may today / tomorrow…"

Epstein suggested Bannon: "I think staying as much as you can in the UK. Ideal- so others see the commitment of your follow-up."

Soon after, Epstein asked: "Can Theresa may remain in power". Bannon answered: "I don't see how BUT the people here have little courage" and added "Johnson ; Michael Gove; Jacob Rees-Mogg; David Davis - someone has to take charge".

May was eventually removed in 2019 after withstanding two votes of lack of support in late 2018.

A spokesman for Reform UK told the BBC: "Farage has not been in a meeting with Steve Bannon, Rees-Mogg and Boris Johnson." And there is nothing to suggest that encounter took place.

The US House of Representatives will decide soon on whether the justice department should release all its records concerning its probe into Epstein, who died in prison in 2019.

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

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