<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 No. 4 to the Registration Statement (Form
N-4, No. 333-16949) of John Hancock Variable Annuity Account I.
We also consent to the inclusion of our reports dated February 11, 2000 on the
financial statements included in the Annual Report of the John Hancock Variable
Annuity Account I, and dated February 11, 2000 on the financial statements
included in the Annual Report of the John Hancock Mutual Life Insurance Company
for the year ended December 31, 1999.
/s/ ERNST & YOUNG LLP
ERNST & YOUNG LLP
Boston, Massachusetts
November 1, 2000
