diff --git a/src/releasers/python.ts b/src/releasers/python.ts
index e976bd613..8fefac29a 100644
--- a/src/releasers/python.ts
+++ b/src/releasers/python.ts
@@ -88,4 +88,8 @@ export class Python extends ReleasePR {
       candidate.version
     );
   }
+
+  protected defaultInitialVersion(): string {
+    return '0.1.0';
+  }
 }