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In late 2018, Steve Bannon, formerly Donald Trump's chief strategist, was in the UK to deliver a address at the Oxford Union.

The event was disrupted by hundreds of demonstrators, and Bannon, who was due to board a flight that night, informed Jeffrey Epstein in an message: "Activists delayed speech don't think I can make the flight we r enroute to the airport".

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

These messages were released on Wednesday together with over 20,000 pages from the estate of Epstein, the late 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 involvement by cross-referencing the dates, events, and places referenced.

For example, Epstein talks about chartering a plane from Scotland for the redacted user in the chat, and commends their "address at Oxford". Bannon participated in the News Xchange conference on 14 November, and gave the talk at the Oxford two days later.

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

Epstein's Assurance to Bannon

Bannon was one of Trump's key advisers in the run up to the presidential election and during the initial phase of his first administration, but resigned from the White House in 2017.

He has acknowledged he was producing a film about Epstein prior to his death and reportedly has approximately 15 hours of footage. In a recording of his show earlier this year, he stated: "We plan to publish the film, the multi-part documentary, next year - at the start of next year."

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

A short time before the exchange in which Epstein appeared to have arranged a private plane for Bannon, Epstein remarked: "how does it feel to have the highest-paid travel agent in the world ".

Bannon thanked him: "You are pretty good assistant", to which Epstein responded "Massages. Not Included".

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

British Affairs Mentioned in Exchanges

The released communications also show Bannon and Epstein talking about UK politics in 2018.

On the same day his speech at the Oxford, Bannon messaged Epstein: "I've gotten pulled into the Brexit issue this morning with Nigel, Johnson and Rees Mogg."

Then, in what appears to be a reference to Theresa May, the embattled British leader at the time, he continued: "The guys are trying to proceed. May today / tomorrow…"

Epstein suggested Bannon: "In my view staying as long as you can uk. Ideal- so others get the dedication of your follow-up."

Soon after, Epstein inquired: "Will Theresa may survive". Bannon answered: "It seems unlikely BUT the people over here have little courage" and noted "Boris ; Michael Gove; Jacob Rees-Mogg; David Davis - somebody has to take charge".

Theresa May was finally removed in 2019 after withstanding multiple attempts of no confidence in December 2018.

A representative for Reform UK informed the BBC: "Nigel Farage has not been in a gathering with Steve Bannon, Jacob Rees Mogg and Boris Johnson." And there is no evidence such a meeting took place.

The Congress will vote next week on whether the Department of Justice should release all its records 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 archives.

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