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

The speech was interrupted by numerous demonstrators, and Bannon, who was due to travel that night, informed Jeffrey Epstein in an message: "Activists slowed down speech I doubt I can make the plane we r enroute to the airport".

Epstein responded: "That. Is a gulf air departing at 9:50 with a layover in Bahrain". Bannon replied: "U r an amazing helper".

These messages were published on Wednesday alongside more than 20,000 pages from the estate of Epstein, the deceased financier convicted of sex crimes.

The disclosure by the Congressional committee contains an iMessage chat where Bannon's name is redacted. The BBC has been able to establish his identity by cross-referencing the dates, events, and places mentioned.

For instance, Epstein discusses arranging a jet from Scotland for the redacted user in the chat, and offers praise their "Oxford speech". Bannon participated in the News Xchange conference on 14 November, and gave the speech 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 served as the president's closest aides in the run up to the presidential election and in the early days of his presidency, but stepped down from the administration in 2017.

He has acknowledged he was making a film about Epstein before his death and reportedly has around 15 hours of recordings. In a live taping of his podcast earlier this year, he said: "We're going to publish the series, the multi-part documentary, next year - early next year."

But the recently disclosed documents indicate Bannon's relationship with Epstein extended than being his biographer, with the disgraced financier occasionally appearing to serve like a aide.

A few days 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 most highly paid booking agent in history ".

Bannon expressed gratitude: "You are quite capable assistant", to which Epstein responded "Therapies. Not Included".

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

UK Politics Mentioned in Messages

The published communications also reveal Bannon and Epstein talking about British political matters in that year.

On the same day his address at the Oxford Union, Bannon texted Epstein: "I became involved in 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 UK prime minister at the period, he continued: "They are trying to move on. May soon…"

Epstein suggested Bannon: "I think staying as much as you can in the UK. Ideal- so others see the commitment of your follow through."

Shortly after, Epstein asked: "Will Theresa may remain in power". Bannon answered: "It seems unlikely BUT the people over here have little courage" and noted "Boris ; Gove; Rees Mogg; David Davis - someone has to step up".

May was finally toppled in 2019 after surviving two votes of no confidence in December 2018.

A representative for Reform UK told media: "Farage has never been in a gathering with Steve Bannon, Rees-Mogg and Boris Johnson." And there is nothing to suggest such a meeting occurred.

The Congress will decide soon on whether the justice department should release all its records concerning its investigation into Epstein, who died in jail in 2019.

Interest in Epstein's associations with influential individuals was reignited recently after the publication of more than 20,000 pages from his estate.

Some of those mentioned Trump, who has consistently denied any impropriety. The president was a acquaintance of Epstein's for years, but claims they parted ways in the 2000s, two years prior to Epstein was first arrested.