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

The event was interrupted by hundreds of protesters, and Bannon, who was due to travel that night, told Jeffrey Epstein in an email: "Protesters slowed down speech I doubt I can make the flight we are heading to the airport".

Epstein responded: "There. Is a gulf air departing at 950 with a layover in Bahrain". Bannon answered: "You are an amazing helper".

These exchanges were published on Wednesday together with over 20,000 documents from the records of Epstein, the late financier convicted of sex crimes.

The release by the Congressional committee includes an iMessage chat where Bannon's identity is redacted. The BBC has been able to confirm his identity by cross-referencing the timeline, events, and places referenced.

For example, Epstein discusses chartering a jet from Scotland for the unnamed individual in the chat, and offers praise their "Oxford speech". Bannon took part in the Edinburgh conference on 14 November, and gave the talk at the Oxford two days later.

Bannon, who is not accused of any misconduct, declined to comment on the inquiry.

'I'll make sure you're well looked after'

Bannon was one of the president's closest aides in the lead-up to the 2016 election and in the early days of his presidency, but stepped down from the White House in August 2017.

He has acknowledged he was making a documentary about Epstein before his passing and reportedly has approximately 15 hours of recordings. In a live taping of his show recently, he said: "We plan to release the series, 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 at times seeming to act like a aide.

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

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

Discussing a visit to "AD" in another message, Epstein told Bannon: "I will ensure you're taken care of."

UK Politics Mentioned in Messages

The released communications also reveal Bannon and Epstein discussing UK politics in that year.

Earlier on the day of his address at the Oxford Union, Bannon texted Epstein: "I've gotten pulled into the Brexit issue this day with Farage, Johnson and Rees Mogg."

Then, in what appears to be a reference to the UK prime minister, the embattled British leader at the time, he continued: "They are trying to proceed. may today / tomorrow…"

Epstein advised Bannon: "I think staying as long as you can in the UK. Ideal- so people see the commitment of your follow-up."

Shortly after, Epstein asked: "Will Theresa May survive". Bannon answered: "I don't see how however the guys here have little courage" and added "Boris ; Gove; Jacob Rees-Mogg; David Davis - somebody has to take charge".

Theresa May was finally toppled in 2019 after withstanding multiple attempts of lack of support in late 2018.

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

The US House of Representatives will decide soon on whether the justice department should make public all its records concerning its investigation into Epstein, who died in jail in that year.

Interest in Epstein's associations with influential individuals was renewed recently after the publication of over 20,000 documents from his archives.

A portion of those mentioned the former president, who has consistently denied any impropriety. The president was a acquaintance of Epstein's for years, but claims they fell out in the 2000s, a couple of years prior to Epstein was first arrested.