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

The event was disrupted by numerous protesters, and Bannon, scheduled to board a flight that night, informed Jeffrey Epstein in an email: "Activists delayed speech don't think I can catch the flight we are heading to the airport".

Epstein responded: "That. Is a gulf air that leaves at 950 with a layover in Bahrain". Bannon replied: "You are an excellent helper".

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

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

For example, Epstein discusses chartering a jet from Scotland for the redacted user in the messages, and offers praise their "address at Oxford". Bannon took part in the News Xchange conference on November 14, and delivered the speech at the Oxford on November 16.

Bannon, who faces no allegations of any misconduct, declined to comment on the inquiry.

Epstein's Assurance to Bannon

Bannon served as the president's key advisers in the lead-up to the presidential election and in the early days of his presidency, but stepped down from the administration in August 2017.

He has admitted he was producing a film about Epstein prior to his passing and reportedly has around 15 hours of recordings. In a recording of his podcast earlier this year, he said: "We're going to publish the film, the multi-part documentary, in the coming year - at the start of next year."

But the newly released documents indicate Bannon's relationship with Epstein extended than being his biographer, with the convicted paedophile occasionally appearing to serve like a personal assistant.

A short time prior to 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 travel agent in the world ".

Bannon expressed gratitude: "U r quite capable assistant", to which Epstein replied "Massages. Not Included".

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

British Affairs Mentioned in Messages

The published communications also show Bannon and Epstein discussing British political matters in 2018.

On the day of his speech at the Oxford, Bannon messaged Epstein: "I became involved in the EU exit issue this day with Nigel, Johnson and Mogg."

Then, in what appears to be a allusion to the UK prime minister, the embattled UK prime minister at the period, he continued: "They are attempting to move on. may soon…"

Epstein suggested Bannon: "In my view staying as much as you can in the UK. Ideal- so people get the commitment of your follow-up."

Soon after, Epstein inquired: "Will Theresa may survive". Bannon replied: "It seems unlikely however the people here have no balls" and added "Johnson ; Michael Gove; Rees Mogg; David Davis - somebody has to step up".

May was finally removed in May 2019 after surviving multiple attempts of no confidence in late 2018.

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

The Congress will decide next week on whether the justice department should make public all its files related to its investigation into Epstein, who died in prison in that year.

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

Some of those referenced Trump, who has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing. The leader was a friend of Epstein's for years, but says they parted ways in the 2000s, a couple of years prior to Epstein was initially charged.