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In late 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 demonstrators, and Bannon, who was due to travel that evening, told Jeffrey Epstein in an message: "Activists slowed down speech I doubt I can catch the plane we r enroute to the airport".

Epstein responded: "There. Is a Gulf Air departing at 950 with a stop in Bahrain". Bannon replied: "U r an excellent assistant".

These exchanges were published on this week alongside over 20,000 documents from the records of Epstein, the deceased convicted sex offender.

The disclosure by the House oversight committee contains an iMessage chat where Bannon's name is withheld. The BBC has been able to confirm his identity by cross-referencing the dates, occurrences, and locations referenced.

For example, Epstein talks about chartering a jet from the UK for the redacted user in the chat, and commends their "address at Oxford". Bannon took part in the Edinburgh conference on 14 November, and gave the talk at the Oxford on November 16.

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

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

Bannon served as the president's closest advisers in the lead-up to the 2016 election and in the early days of his presidency, but stepped down from the administration in 2017.

He has admitted he was producing a film about Epstein prior to his death and allegedly has around 15 hours of footage. In a recording of his podcast earlier this year, he stated: "We plan to release the series, the five-part series, next year - early next year."

But the recently disclosed materials indicate Bannon's relationship with Epstein extended than being his biographer, with the disgraced financier at times seeming to act like a aide.

A few days before the conversation in which Epstein appeared to have booked a private plane for Bannon, Epstein remarked: "what's it like to have the most highly paid booking agent in history ".

Bannon expressed gratitude: "U r pretty good assistant", to which Epstein replied "Therapies. Excluded".

Discussing a visit to "Abu Dhabi" in another message, Epstein assured Bannon: "I will ensure you are taken care of."

British Affairs Mentioned in Messages

The released messages also show Bannon and Epstein discussing UK politics in 2018.

On the day of his address at the Oxford Union, Bannon texted Epstein: "I've gotten pulled into the EU exit issue this morning with Nigel, Johnson and Mogg."

Then, in what appears to be a reference to Theresa May, the struggling UK prime minister at the period, he continued: "The guys are attempting to proceed. may soon…"

Epstein advised Bannon: "I think staying as long as you can uk. Ideal- so others get the commitment of your follow through."

Shortly after, Epstein asked: "Will Theresa may remain in power". Bannon replied: "It seems unlikely however the guys here have little courage" and added "Boris ; Gove; Rees Mogg; David Davis - somebody has to step up".

Theresa May was finally removed in May 2019 after withstanding two votes of lack of support in December 2018.

A spokesman for the political party informed the BBC: "Farage has not been in a gathering with Bannon, Rees-Mogg and Boris Johnson." And there is nothing to suggest that encounter occurred.

The US House of Representatives will vote soon on whether the Department of Justice should make public all its files concerning its investigation into Epstein, who died in prison in 2019.

Attention in Epstein's relationships with powerful figures was renewed recently after the release of more than 20,000 pages from his archives.

Some of those mentioned Trump, who has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing. The president was a acquaintance of Epstein's for a long time, but claims they fell out in the early 2000s, a couple of years prior to Epstein was initially charged.