diff --git a/test/runner/lib/changes.py b/test/runner/lib/changes.py
index 4ed2c724a36..8b66478fd59 100644
--- a/test/runner/lib/changes.py
+++ b/test/runner/lib/changes.py
@@ -80,7 +80,7 @@ class ShippableChanges(object):
             else:
                 # tracked files (including unchanged)
                 self.paths = sorted(git.get_file_names(['--cached']))
-                self.diff = None
+                self.diff = []
 
     def get_merge_runs(self, project_id, branch):
         """