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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 Oxford Union.

The event was interrupted by numerous protesters, and Bannon, scheduled to travel that night, told Jeffrey Epstein in an email: "Protesters delayed my talk I doubt I can catch 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: "You are an amazing helper".

These exchanges were released on Wednesday alongside over 20,000 documents 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 has been able to establish his identity by matching the timeline, occurrences, and locations mentioned.

For example, Epstein talks about arranging a plane from the UK for the unnamed individual in the chat, and commends their "address at Oxford". Bannon participated in the News Xchange conference on November 14, and delivered the speech at the Oxford Union on November 16.

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

Epstein's Assurance to Bannon

Bannon was one of the president's closest advisers in the lead-up to the 2016 election and during the initial phase of his presidency, but resigned from the White House in August 2017.

He has admitted he was making a film about Epstein prior to his passing and allegedly has approximately 15 hours of footage. In a live taping of his show recently, he stated: "We plan to release the film, the five-part series, in the coming year - at the start of next year."

But the recently disclosed documents indicate Bannon's relationship with Epstein went further than documenting his life, with the disgraced financier at times appearing to serve like a aide.

A few days prior to the exchange in which Epstein seemed to booked a private plane for Bannon, Epstein remarked: "how does it feel to have the highest-paid travel agent in the world ".

Bannon expressed gratitude: "You are quite capable asst", to which Epstein replied "Therapies. Excluded".

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

UK Politics Mentioned in Messages

The released communications also reveal Bannon and Epstein discussing British political matters in 2018.

On the same day his speech at the Oxford Union, Bannon messaged Epstein: "I became involved in the EU exit thing this day with Nigel, Boris and Mogg."

Then, in what seems like a reference to Theresa May, the embattled UK prime minister at the time, he continued: "They are attempting to move on. may today / tomorrow…"

Epstein suggested Bannon: "I think remaining as long as you can in the UK. Best-- so people see the dedication of your follow through."

Shortly after, Epstein asked: "Will Theresa May survive". Bannon replied: "I don't see how BUT the people over here have little courage" and noted "Johnson ; Michael Gove; Jacob Rees-Mogg; David Davis - somebody has to take charge".

May was eventually toppled in May 2019 after withstanding two votes of no confidence in late 2018.

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

The US House of Representatives will decide next week on whether the justice department should release all its files related to its probe into Epstein, who passed away in prison in 2019.

Attention in Epstein's relationships with powerful figures was renewed recently after the publication of more than 20,000 documents from his estate.

A portion of those referenced the former president, who has consistently rejected any wrongdoing. The leader was a friend of Epstein's for a long time, but claims they fell out in the 2000s, two years prior to Epstein was first arrested.