EXHIBIT 23.1 HEATHER C. HARKER 1300 I STREET, N.W. SUITE 300 WASHINGTON, DC 20005 DIRECT LINE: 202.906.8649 April 13, 2010 Board of Directors Genworth Life and Annuity Insurance Company 6610 West Broad Street Richmond, Virginia 23230 Ladies and Gentlemen: I hereby consent to the reference to my name under the caption "Legal Matters" in the Prospectus filed as part of Post-Effective Amendment No. 3 to the Registration Statement for Genworth Life and Annuity Insurance Company (File No. 333-143494). In giving this consent, I do not admit that I am in the category of persons whose consent is required under Section 7 of the Securities Act of 1933. Very truly yours, /s/ Heather C. Harker ---------------------------------- Heather C. Harker