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In late 2018, Steve Bannon, formerly a top aide to Donald Trump, 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 evening, informed Jeffrey Epstein in an message: "Protesters slowed down my talk don't think I can catch the flight we r enroute to the airport".

Epstein replied: "There. Is a Gulf Air that leaves at 950 with a stop in Bahrain". Bannon answered: "You are an amazing helper".

These messages were released on Wednesday together with more than 20,000 pages from the estate of Epstein, the late financier convicted of sex crimes.

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

For instance, Epstein discusses chartering a plane from Scotland for the redacted user in the messages, and offers praise their "Oxford speech". Bannon took part in the Edinburgh conference on 14 November, and gave the speech at the Oxford Union on November 16.

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

Epstein's Assurance to Bannon

Bannon served as the president's key advisers in the run up to the 2016 election and in the early days of his presidency, but resigned from the administration in 2017.

He has admitted he was making a documentary about Epstein before his passing and reportedly has approximately 15 hours of recordings. In a recording of his podcast earlier this year, he said: "We're going to publish the series, the five-part series, next year - at the start of next year."

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

A short time before the conversation in which Epstein appeared to have arranged a private plane for Bannon, Epstein said: "what's it like to have the highest-paid booking agent in history ".

Bannon thanked him: "U r pretty good asst", to which Epstein responded "Therapies. Not Included".

Discussing a visit to "Abu Dhabi" in a separate text, Epstein assured Bannon: "I will ensure you are well looked after."

UK Politics Mentioned in Exchanges

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

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

Then, in what appears to be a reference to Theresa May, the struggling UK prime minister at the period, he added: "They are trying to proceed. May soon…"

Epstein advised Bannon: "In my view remaining as much as you can in the UK. Ideal- so others get the commitment of your follow through."

Shortly after, Epstein inquired: "Can Theresa May survive". Bannon answered: "It seems unlikely however the people here have no balls" and noted "Boris ; Gove; Rees Mogg; Davis - somebody has to take charge".

Theresa May was eventually removed in 2019 after surviving two votes of no confidence in late 2018.

A representative for the political party told media: "Farage has never 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 reignited this week after the release of more than 20,000 documents from his estate.

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