<PAGE>
EXHIBIT 10(b)
CONSENT OF ERNST & YOUNG LLP, INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
We consent to the references to our firm under the captions "Experts" in the
Prospectus in Post-Effective Amendment Number 7 to the Registration Statement
(Form N-4, No. 33-64947) of John Hancock Variable Annuity Account JF.
We also consent to the inclusion of our reports dated February 11, 2000
on the financial statements included in the Annual Reports of John Hancock
Variable Annuity Account JF and dated March 10, 2000 on the financial
statements included in the Annual Report of John Hancock Variable Life Insurance
Company for the year ended December 31, 1999.
/s/ Ernst & Young LLP
ERNST & YOUNG LLP
Boston, Massachusetts
November 1, 2000
