diff --git a/tox.ini b/tox.ini
index 94f2f1348..b65ef99bb 100644
--- a/tox.ini
+++ b/tox.ini
@@ -29,6 +29,7 @@ passenv = ZUUL_PROJECT
 commands = ./run_tests.sh -N --db-type mysql
 
 [testenv:pep8]
+basepython = python2.7
 commands =
   flake8 {posargs} . {toxinidir}/tools/get_action_list.py {toxinidir}/tools/sync_db.py
   check-uuid --package mistral_tempest_tests