In late 2018, Steve Bannon, previously a top aide to Donald Trump, visited the UK to deliver a address at the prestigious Oxford Union.
The speech was interrupted by numerous protesters, and Bannon, who was due to travel that night, told Jeffrey Epstein in an message: "Protesters delayed speech don't think I can catch the plane we are heading to heathrow".
Epstein responded: "There. Is a Gulf Air departing at 9:50 with a layover in Bahrain". Bannon answered: "U r an excellent assistant".
These exchanges were released on this week alongside more than 20,000 pages from the estate of Epstein, the late convicted sex offender.
The disclosure by the Congressional committee contains an text conversation where Bannon's name is redacted. The BBC has been able to establish his identity by cross-referencing the timeline, events, and places referenced.
For instance, Epstein talks about chartering a jet from Scotland for the unnamed individual in the messages, and offers praise their "address at Oxford". Bannon took part in the News Xchange conference on 14 November, and delivered the speech at the Oxford two days later.
Bannon, who faces no allegations of any wrongdoing, did not reply on the request for comment.
Epstein's Assurance to Bannon
Bannon was one of the president's key aides in the run up to the 2016 election and in the early days of his presidency, but stepped down from the administration in August 2017.
He has admitted he was making a documentary about Epstein before his passing and allegedly has around 15 hours of footage. 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 - early next year."
But the recently disclosed documents suggest Bannon's relationship with Epstein extended than documenting his life, with the convicted paedophile occasionally seeming to act like a aide.
A short time prior to the exchange in which Epstein appeared to have arranged a charter jet for Bannon, Epstein said: "what's it like to have the most highly paid booking agent in the world ".
Bannon expressed gratitude: "You are quite capable asst", to which Epstein replied "Massages. Not Included".
Discussing a trip to "AD" in another message, Epstein assured Bannon: "I will ensure you are well looked after."
British Affairs Discussed in Messages
The released messages also show Bannon and Epstein discussing British political matters in that year.
On the same day his address at the Oxford, Bannon texted Epstein: "I became involved in the EU exit thing this morning with Farage, Boris and Rees Mogg."
Then, in what appears to be a reference to Theresa May, the embattled British leader at the time, he added: "The guys are attempting to move on. may soon…"
Epstein suggested Bannon: "I think remaining as much as you can uk. Ideal- so others see the commitment of your follow-up."
Shortly after, Epstein inquired: "Can Theresa may survive". Bannon replied: "I don't see how however the guys here have no balls" and added "Boris ; Michael Gove; Jacob Rees-Mogg; Davis - somebody has to step up".
Theresa May was eventually removed in May 2019 after surviving multiple attempts of no confidence in December 2018.
A representative for Reform UK told media: "Nigel Farage has not been in a gathering with Steve Bannon, Jacob Rees Mogg and Johnson." And there is nothing to suggest that encounter took place.
The US House of Representatives will decide next week on whether the justice department should release all its records concerning its probe into Epstein, who died in prison in 2019.
Interest in Epstein's relationships with powerful figures was renewed recently after the publication of more than 20,000 documents from his archives.
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, a couple of years before Epstein was initially charged.
