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In late 2018, Steve Bannon, formerly a top aide to Donald Trump, was in the UK preparing for a address at the prestigious Oxford Union.

The speech was disrupted by hundreds of demonstrators, and Bannon, scheduled to travel that evening, informed Jeffrey Epstein in an message: "Activists slowed down speech don't think I can make the plane we r enroute to heathrow".

Epstein replied: "There. Is a gulf air departing at 950 with a layover in Bahrain". Bannon replied: "You are an excellent assistant".

These exchanges were published on this week alongside more than 20,000 documents from the estate of Epstein, the late convicted sex offender.

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

For instance, Epstein discusses chartering a jet from Scotland for the unnamed individual in the messages, and commends their "Oxford speech". Bannon participated in the Edinburgh conference on November 14, and delivered the talk at the Oxford on November 16.

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 advisers in the run up to the 2016 election and in the early days of his first administration, but resigned from the White House in 2017.

He has admitted he was making a documentary about Epstein prior to his passing and allegedly has around 15 hours of recordings. In a live taping of his podcast recently, he said: "We're going to release the film, the five-part series, next year - at the start of next year."

But the recently disclosed materials suggest Bannon's connection with Epstein extended than documenting his life, with the convicted paedophile at times appearing to serve like a aide.

A short time prior to the exchange in which Epstein appeared to have arranged a private plane for Bannon, Epstein remarked: "how does it feel to have the highest-paid booking agent in the world ".

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

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

UK Politics Mentioned in Messages

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

Earlier on the same day his speech at the Oxford, Bannon texted Epstein: "I became involved in the Brexit thing this day with Farage, Johnson and Rees Mogg."

Then, in what seems like a allusion to Theresa May, the embattled UK prime minister at the period, he added: "The guys are attempting to move on. may soon…"

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

Soon after, Epstein asked: "Can Theresa may survive". Bannon replied: "It seems unlikely BUT the guys here have little courage" and noted "Johnson ; Michael Gove; Rees Mogg; David Davis - somebody has to take charge".

Theresa May was eventually toppled in May 2019 after surviving multiple attempts of lack of support in late 2018.

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

The Congress will vote soon on whether the Department of Justice should make public all its records concerning its probe into Epstein, who died in jail in 2019.

Interest in Epstein's relationships with influential individuals was reignited this week after the release of over 20,000 pages from his archives.

Some of those referenced Trump, who has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing. The president was a acquaintance of Epstein's for a long time, but claims they parted ways in the early 2000s, two years prior to Epstein was first arrested.