diff --git a/synapse/storage/__init__.py b/synapse/storage/__init__.py
index 134e4a80f..04ff1f800 100644
--- a/synapse/storage/__init__.py
+++ b/synapse/storage/__init__.py
@@ -94,7 +94,6 @@ class DataStore(RoomMemberStore, RoomStore,
         self._clock = hs.get_clock()
         self.database_engine = hs.database_engine
 
-        self.db_conn = db_conn
         self._stream_id_gen = StreamIdGenerator(
             db_conn, "events", "stream_ordering",
             extra_tables=[("local_invites", "stream_id")]