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In November 2018, Steve Bannon, previously Donald Trump's chief strategist, visited the UK preparing for a speech at the prestigious Oxford Union.

The event was interrupted by hundreds of demonstrators, and Bannon, scheduled to board a flight that night, told Jeffrey Epstein in an message: "Activists delayed speech don't think I can catch the flight we are heading 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 records of Epstein, the late financier convicted of sex crimes.

The release by the Congressional committee contains an text conversation where Bannon's name is redacted. The BBC managed to establish his involvement by cross-referencing the timeline, events, and places referenced.

For example, Epstein talks about chartering a plane from the UK for the unnamed individual in the chat, and offers praise their "address at Oxford". Bannon took part in the News Xchange conference on 14 November, and gave the speech at the Oxford two days later.

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

Epstein's Assurance to Bannon

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

He has acknowledged he was making a film about Epstein before his passing and reportedly has around 15 hours of recordings. In a live taping of his podcast recently, he said: "We're going to release the film, the five-part series, in the coming year - at the start of next year."

But the recently disclosed documents suggest Bannon's relationship with Epstein extended than documenting his life, with the convicted paedophile at times appearing to serve like a aide.

A short time 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 the world ".

Bannon expressed gratitude: "U r quite capable assistant", to which Epstein replied "Massages. Excluded".

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

UK Politics Discussed in Messages

The published communications also reveal Bannon and Epstein discussing UK politics in 2018.

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

Then, in what appears to be a allusion to the UK prime minister, the struggling UK prime minister at the period, he continued: "The guys are attempting to move on. May today / tomorrow…"

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

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

Theresa May was eventually toppled in May 2019 after surviving two votes of lack of support in December 2018.

A representative for Reform UK told the BBC: "Farage has never been in a gathering with Steve Bannon, Rees-Mogg and Boris Johnson." And there is no evidence such a meeting took place.

The Congress will decide soon on whether the Department of Justice should release all its files concerning its probe into Epstein, who died in prison in 2019.

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

A portion of those referenced Trump, who has consistently rejected any impropriety. The president was a acquaintance of Epstein's for years, but says they fell out in the 2000s, two years before Epstein was initially charged.