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In late 2018, Steve Bannon, formerly a top aide to Donald Trump, was in the UK to deliver a address at the Oxford Union.

The speech was interrupted by numerous protesters, 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 replied: "There. Is a gulf air that leaves at 9:50 with a layover in Bahrain". Bannon answered: "You are an excellent helper".

These exchanges were released on this week alongside more than 20,000 documents from the records of Epstein, the late convicted sex offender.

The release by the House oversight committee includes an iMessage chat where Bannon's name is withheld. The BBC managed to confirm his identity by cross-referencing the timeline, events, and places mentioned.

For instance, Epstein talks about arranging a jet from the UK for the unnamed individual in the chat, and offers praise their "address at Oxford". Bannon participated in the News Xchange conference on November 14, and delivered the talk at the Oxford on November 16.

Bannon, who is not accused of any wrongdoing, did not reply on the request for comment.

Epstein's Assurance to Bannon

Bannon served as the president's closest 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 admitted he was producing a film about Epstein prior to his passing and reportedly has approximately 15 hours of footage. In a recording of his podcast recently, he said: "We plan to publish the series, the multi-part documentary, in the coming year - early next year."

But the recently disclosed materials suggest Bannon's connection with Epstein extended than documenting his life, with the convicted paedophile at times appearing to serve like a personal assistant.

A few days before the conversation in which Epstein appeared to have arranged a charter jet for Bannon, Epstein said: "what's it like to have the highest-paid travel agent in history ".

Bannon thanked him: "You are quite capable assistant", to which Epstein responded "Therapies. Not Included".

Discussing a visit to "AD" in another message, Epstein assured Bannon: "I'll make sure you are well looked after."

British Affairs Discussed in Messages

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

Earlier on the day of his speech at the Oxford Union, Bannon messaged Epstein: "I became involved in the EU exit issue this day with Farage, Boris and Mogg."

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

Epstein advised Bannon: "In my view staying as much as you can uk. Ideal- so others get the commitment of your follow-up."

Shortly after, Epstein inquired: "Will Theresa may survive". Bannon answered: "I don't see how BUT the guys here have no balls" and noted "Boris ; Michael Gove; Jacob Rees-Mogg; Davis - somebody has to take charge".

May was finally removed in 2019 after surviving multiple attempts of lack of support in late 2018.

A spokesman for Reform UK informed the BBC: "Farage has never been in a meeting with Steve Bannon, Rees-Mogg and Johnson." And there is no evidence that encounter took place.

The US House of Representatives will vote next week on whether the justice department should release all its records related to its investigation 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 over 20,000 documents from his archives.

A portion of those referenced the former president, 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 first arrested.