diff --git a/channel.js b/channel.js
index 64fd15aa..21310f35 100644
--- a/channel.js
+++ b/channel.js
@@ -471,7 +471,7 @@ Channel.prototype.demoteUser = function(actor, name) {
 // but you never know
 Channel.prototype.changeLeader = function(name) {
     if(this.leader != null) {
-        var old = leader;
+        var old = this.leader;
         this.leader = null;
         this.broadcastRankUpdate(old);
     }