diff --git a/patroni/config.py b/patroni/config.py
index d2770517..78523dfc 100644
--- a/patroni/config.py
+++ b/patroni/config.py
@@ -224,7 +224,8 @@ class Config(object):
         self.__effective_configuration = self._build_effective_configuration({}, self._local_configuration)
         self._data_dir = self.__effective_configuration.get('postgresql', {}).get('data_dir', "")
         self._cache_file = os.path.join(self._data_dir, self.__CACHE_FILENAME)
-        self._load_cache()
+        if validator:  # patronictl uses validator=None and we don't want to load anything from local cache in this case
+            self._load_cache()
         self._cache_needs_saving = False
 
     @property
@@ -341,8 +342,8 @@ class Config(object):
                 if ConfigHandler.CMDLINE_OPTIONS[name][1](value):
                     pg_params[name] = value
                 else:
-                    logging.warning("postgresql parameter %s=%s failed validation, defaulting to %s",
-                                    name, value, ConfigHandler.CMDLINE_OPTIONS[name][0])
+                    logger.warning("postgresql parameter %s=%s failed validation, defaulting to %s",
+                                   name, value, ConfigHandler.CMDLINE_OPTIONS[name][0])
 
         return pg_params
 
diff --git a/patroni/ha.py b/patroni/ha.py
index 507f3d71..e133b8ac 100644
--- a/patroni/ha.py
+++ b/patroni/ha.py
@@ -583,7 +583,7 @@ class Ha(object):
         if refresh:
             self.load_cluster_from_dcs()
 
-        is_leader = self.state_handler.is_leader()
+        is_leader = self.state_handler.is_primary()
 
         node_to_follow = self._get_node_to_follow(self.cluster)
 
@@ -762,7 +762,7 @@ class Ha(object):
         """
         if not self.is_paused():
             if not self.watchdog.is_running and not self.watchdog.activate():
-                if self.state_handler.is_leader():
+                if self.state_handler.is_primary():
                     self.demote('immediate')
                     return 'Demoting self because watchdog could not be activated'
                 else:
@@ -778,7 +778,7 @@ class Ha(object):
                     self._async_response.reset()
                     return 'Promotion cancelled because the pre-promote script failed'
 
-        if self.state_handler.is_leader():
+        if self.state_handler.is_primary():
             # Inform the state handler about its primary role.
             # It may be unaware of it if postgres is promoted manually.
             self.state_handler.set_role('master')
@@ -974,7 +974,7 @@ class Ha(object):
                 # Remove failover key if the node to failover has terminated to avoid waiting for it indefinitely
                 # In order to avoid attempts to delete this key from all nodes only the primary is allowed to do it.
                 if not self.cluster.get_member(failover.candidate, fallback_to_leader=False)\
-                        and self.state_handler.is_leader():
+                        and self.state_handler.is_primary():
                     logger.warning("%s: removing failover key because failover candidate is not running", action)
                     self.dcs.manual_failover('', '', version=failover.version)
                     return None
@@ -1032,7 +1032,7 @@ class Ha(object):
             if ret is not None:  # continue if we just deleted the stale failover key as a leader
                 return ret
 
-        if self.state_handler.is_leader():
+        if self.state_handler.is_primary():
             if self.is_paused():
                 # in pause leader is the healthiest only when no initialize or sysid matches with initialize!
                 return not self.cluster.initialize or self.state_handler.sysid == self.cluster.initialize
@@ -1224,7 +1224,7 @@ class Ha(object):
         # if there is no failover key or
         # I am holding the lock but am not primary = I am the standby leader,
         # then do nothing
-        if not failover or (self.is_paused() and not self.state_handler.is_leader()):
+        if not failover or (self.is_paused() and not self.state_handler.is_primary()):
             return
 
         action = self._get_failover_action_name()
@@ -1297,7 +1297,7 @@ class Ha(object):
 
     def process_healthy_cluster(self) -> str:
         if self.has_lock():
-            if self.is_paused() and not self.state_handler.is_leader():
+            if self.is_paused() and not self.state_handler.is_primary():
                 if self.cluster.failover and self.cluster.failover.candidate == self.state_handler.name:
                     return 'waiting to become primary after promote...'
 
@@ -1330,7 +1330,7 @@ class Ha(object):
             else:
                 # Either there is no connection to DCS or someone else acquired the lock
                 logger.error('failed to update leader lock')
-                if self.state_handler.is_leader():
+                if self.state_handler.is_primary():
                     if self.is_paused():
                         return 'continue to run as primary after failing to update leader lock in DCS'
                     self.demote('immediate-nolock')
@@ -1569,7 +1569,7 @@ class Ha(object):
             self.cancel_initialization()
 
         if result is None:
-            if not self.state_handler.is_leader():
+            if not self.state_handler.is_primary():
                 return 'waiting for end of recovery after bootstrap'
 
             self.state_handler.set_role('master')
@@ -1753,7 +1753,7 @@ class Ha(object):
                 elif self.cluster.is_unlocked() and not self.is_paused():
                     # "bootstrap", but data directory is not empty
                     if not self.state_handler.cb_called and self.state_handler.is_running() \
-                            and not self.state_handler.is_leader():
+                            and not self.state_handler.is_primary():
                         self._join_aborted = True
                         logger.error('No initialize key in DCS and PostgreSQL is running as replica, aborting start')
                         logger.error('Please first start Patroni on the node running as primary')
@@ -1796,7 +1796,7 @@ class Ha(object):
                 create_slots = self._sync_replication_slots(False)
 
                 if not self.state_handler.cb_called:
-                    if not is_promoting and not self.state_handler.is_leader():
+                    if not is_promoting and not self.state_handler.is_primary():
                         self._rewind.trigger_check_diverged_lsn()
                     self.state_handler.call_nowait(CallbackAction.ON_START)
 
@@ -1821,7 +1821,7 @@ class Ha(object):
 
     def _handle_dcs_error(self) -> str:
         if not self.is_paused() and self.state_handler.is_running():
-            if self.state_handler.is_leader():
+            if self.state_handler.is_primary():
                 if self.is_failsafe_mode() and self.check_failsafe_topology():
                     self.set_is_leader(True)
                     self._failsafe.set_is_active(time.time())
diff --git a/patroni/postgresql/__init__.py b/patroni/postgresql/__init__.py
index e9844710..172e575e 100644
--- a/patroni/postgresql/__init__.py
+++ b/patroni/postgresql/__init__.py
@@ -120,9 +120,9 @@ class Postgresql(object):
 
         if self.is_running():  # we are "joining" already running postgres
             self.set_state('running')
-            self.set_role('master' if self.is_leader() else 'replica')
+            self.set_role('master' if self.is_primary() else 'replica')
             # postpone writing postgresql.conf for 12+ because recovery parameters are not yet known
-            if self.major_version < 120000 or self.is_leader():
+            if self.major_version < 120000 or self.is_primary():
                 self.config.write_postgresql_conf()
             hba_saved = self.config.replace_pg_hba()
             ident_saved = self.config.replace_pg_ident()
@@ -474,14 +474,14 @@ class Postgresql(object):
         """:returns: a result set of 'SELECT * FROM pg_stat_replication'."""
         return self._cluster_info_state_get('pg_stat_replication') or []
 
-    def replication_state_from_parameters(self, is_leader: bool, receiver_state: Optional[str],
+    def replication_state_from_parameters(self, is_primary: bool, receiver_state: Optional[str],
                                           restore_command: Optional[str]) -> Optional[str]:
         """Figure out the replication state from input parameters.
 
         .. note::
             This method could be only called when Postgres is up, running and queries are successfuly executed.
 
-        :is_leader: `True` is postgres is not running in recovery
+        :is_primary: `True` is postgres is not running in recovery
         :receiver_state: value from `pg_stat_get_wal_receiver.state` or None if Postgres is older than 9.6
         :restore_command: value of ``restore_command`` GUC for PostgreSQL 12+ or
                           `postgresql.recovery_conf.restore_command` if it is set in Patroni configuration
@@ -490,7 +490,7 @@ class Postgresql(object):
                   - 'streaming' if replica is streaming according to the `pg_stat_wal_receiver` view;
                   - 'in archive recovery' if replica isn't streaming and there is a `restore_command`
         """
-        if self._major_version >= 90600 and not is_leader:
+        if self._major_version >= 90600 and not is_primary:
             if receiver_state == 'streaming':
                 return 'streaming'
             # For Postgres older than 12 we get `restore_command` from Patroni config, otherwise we check GUC
@@ -505,11 +505,11 @@ class Postgresql(object):
 
         :returns: ``streaming``, ``in archive recovery``, or ``None``
         """
-        return self.replication_state_from_parameters(self.is_leader(),
+        return self.replication_state_from_parameters(self.is_primary(),
                                                       self._cluster_info_state_get('receiver_state'),
                                                       self._cluster_info_state_get('restore_command'))
 
-    def is_leader(self) -> bool:
+    def is_primary(self) -> bool:
         try:
             return bool(self._cluster_info_state_get('timeline'))
         except PostgresConnectionException:
@@ -1157,9 +1157,9 @@ class Postgresql(object):
         return ret
 
     @staticmethod
-    def _wal_position(is_leader: bool, wal_position: int,
+    def _wal_position(is_primary: bool, wal_position: int,
                       received_location: Optional[int], replayed_location: Optional[int]) -> int:
-        return wal_position if is_leader else max(received_location or 0, replayed_location or 0)
+        return wal_position if is_primary else max(received_location or 0, replayed_location or 0)
 
     def timeline_wal_position(self) -> Tuple[int, int, Optional[int]]:
         # This method could be called from different threads (simultaneously with some other `_query` calls).
@@ -1195,7 +1195,7 @@ class Postgresql(object):
             return None
 
     def last_operation(self) -> int:
-        return self._wal_position(self.is_leader(), self._cluster_info_state_get('wal_position') or 0,
+        return self._wal_position(self.is_primary(), self._cluster_info_state_get('wal_position') or 0,
                                   self.received_location(), self.replayed_location())
 
     def configure_server_parameters(self) -> None:
diff --git a/patroni/postgresql/citus.py b/patroni/postgresql/citus.py
index e11c206c..b5c90cf5 100644
--- a/patroni/postgresql/citus.py
+++ b/patroni/postgresql/citus.py
@@ -412,7 +412,7 @@ class CitusHandler(Thread):
         parameters['wal_level'] = 'logical'
 
     def ignore_replication_slot(self, slot: Dict[str, str]) -> bool:
-        if isinstance(self._config, dict) and self._postgresql.is_leader() and\
+        if isinstance(self._config, dict) and self._postgresql.is_primary() and\
                 slot['type'] == 'logical' and slot['database'] == self._config['database']:
             m = CITUS_SLOT_NAME_RE.match(slot['name'])
             return bool(m and {'move': 'pgoutput', 'split': 'citus'}.get(m.group(1)) == slot['plugin'])
diff --git a/patroni/postgresql/rewind.py b/patroni/postgresql/rewind.py
index 270d629c..73bccb44 100644
--- a/patroni/postgresql/rewind.py
+++ b/patroni/postgresql/rewind.py
@@ -280,7 +280,7 @@ class Rewind(object):
         """After promote issue a CHECKPOINT from a new thread and asynchronously check the result.
         In case if CHECKPOINT failed, just check that timeline in pg_control was updated."""
 
-        if self._state != REWIND_STATUS.CHECKPOINT and self._postgresql.is_leader():
+        if self._state != REWIND_STATUS.CHECKPOINT and self._postgresql.is_primary():
             with self._checkpoint_task_lock:
                 if self._checkpoint_task:
                     with self._checkpoint_task:
diff --git a/patroni/postgresql/slots.py b/patroni/postgresql/slots.py
index 4abda4b1..4df27eaf 100644
--- a/patroni/postgresql/slots.py
+++ b/patroni/postgresql/slots.py
@@ -508,7 +508,7 @@ class SlotsHandler:
 
                 self._ensure_physical_slots(slots)
 
-                if self._postgresql.is_leader():
+                if self._postgresql.is_primary():
                     self._logical_slots_processing_queue.clear()
                     self._ensure_logical_slots_primary(slots)
                 elif cluster.slots and slots:
diff --git a/patroni/postgresql/sync.py b/patroni/postgresql/sync.py
index 2280a68c..3193a7e7 100644
--- a/patroni/postgresql/sync.py
+++ b/patroni/postgresql/sync.py
@@ -338,7 +338,7 @@ END;$$""")
             sync_param = next(iter(sync), None)
 
         if not (self._postgresql.config.set_synchronous_standby_names(sync_param)
-                and self._postgresql.state == 'running' and self._postgresql.is_leader()) or has_asterisk:
+                and self._postgresql.state == 'running' and self._postgresql.is_primary()) or has_asterisk:
             return
 
         time.sleep(0.1)  # Usualy it takes 1ms to reload postgresql.conf, but we will give it 100ms
diff --git a/tests/test_ha.py b/tests/test_ha.py
index cd5aa3f1..cf4db939 100644
--- a/tests/test_ha.py
+++ b/tests/test_ha.py
@@ -162,7 +162,7 @@ def run_async(self, func, args=()):
 
 
 @patch.object(Postgresql, 'is_running', Mock(return_value=MockPostmaster()))
-@patch.object(Postgresql, 'is_leader', Mock(return_value=True))
+@patch.object(Postgresql, 'is_primary', Mock(return_value=True))
 @patch.object(Postgresql, 'timeline_wal_position', Mock(return_value=(1, 10, 1)))
 @patch.object(Postgresql, '_cluster_info_state_get', Mock(return_value=10))
 @patch.object(Postgresql, 'data_directory_empty', Mock(return_value=False))
@@ -224,7 +224,7 @@ class TestHa(PostgresInit):
     @patch.object(Postgresql, 'received_timeline', Mock(return_value=None))
     def test_touch_member(self):
         self.p._major_version = 110000
-        self.p.is_leader = false
+        self.p.is_primary = false
         self.p.timeline_wal_position = Mock(return_value=(0, 1, 0))
         self.p.replica_cached_timeline = Mock(side_effect=Exception)
         with patch.object(Postgresql, '_cluster_info_state_get', Mock(return_value='streaming')):
@@ -320,7 +320,7 @@ class TestHa(PostgresInit):
     @patch.object(Rewind, 'rewind_or_reinitialize_needed_and_possible', Mock(return_value=True))
     @patch.object(Rewind, 'can_rewind', PropertyMock(return_value=True))
     def test_crash_recovery_before_rewind(self):
-        self.p.is_leader = false
+        self.p.is_primary = false
         self.p.is_running = false
         self.p.controldata = lambda: {'Database cluster state': 'in archive recovery',
                                       'Database system identifier': SYSID}
@@ -365,7 +365,7 @@ class TestHa(PostgresInit):
 
     @patch.object(Cluster, 'is_unlocked', Mock(return_value=False))
     def test_start_as_readonly(self):
-        self.p.is_leader = false
+        self.p.is_primary = false
         self.p.is_healthy = true
         self.ha.has_lock = true
         self.p.controldata = lambda: {'Database cluster state': 'in production', 'Database system identifier': SYSID}
@@ -383,11 +383,11 @@ class TestHa(PostgresInit):
 
     def test_promoted_by_acquiring_lock(self):
         self.ha.is_healthiest_node = true
-        self.p.is_leader = false
+        self.p.is_primary = false
         self.assertEqual(self.ha.run_cycle(), 'promoted self to leader by acquiring session lock')
 
     def test_promotion_cancelled_after_pre_promote_failed(self):
-        self.p.is_leader = false
+        self.p.is_primary = false
         self.p._pre_promote = false
         self.ha._is_healthiest_node = true
         self.assertEqual(self.ha.run_cycle(), 'promoted self to leader by acquiring session lock')
@@ -402,7 +402,7 @@ class TestHa(PostgresInit):
     @patch.object(Cluster, 'is_unlocked', Mock(return_value=False))
     def test_long_promote(self):
         self.ha.has_lock = true
-        self.p.is_leader = false
+        self.p.is_primary = false
         self.p.set_role('primary')
         self.assertEqual(self.ha.run_cycle(), 'no action. I am (postgresql0), the leader with the lock')
 
@@ -413,7 +413,7 @@ class TestHa(PostgresInit):
     def test_follow_new_leader_after_failing_to_obtain_lock(self):
         self.ha.is_healthiest_node = true
         self.ha.acquire_lock = false
-        self.p.is_leader = false
+        self.p.is_primary = false
         self.assertEqual(self.ha.run_cycle(), 'following new leader after trying and failing to obtain lock')
 
     def test_demote_because_not_healthiest(self):
@@ -422,21 +422,21 @@ class TestHa(PostgresInit):
 
     def test_follow_new_leader_because_not_healthiest(self):
         self.ha.is_healthiest_node = false
-        self.p.is_leader = false
+        self.p.is_primary = false
         self.assertEqual(self.ha.run_cycle(), 'following a different leader because i am not the healthiest node')
 
     @patch.object(Cluster, 'is_unlocked', Mock(return_value=False))
     def test_promote_because_have_lock(self):
         self.ha.has_lock = true
-        self.p.is_leader = false
+        self.p.is_primary = false
         self.assertEqual(self.ha.run_cycle(), 'promoted self to leader because I had the session lock')
 
     def test_promote_without_watchdog(self):
         self.ha.has_lock = true
-        self.p.is_leader = true
+        self.p.is_primary = true
         with patch.object(Watchdog, 'activate', Mock(return_value=False)):
             self.assertEqual(self.ha.run_cycle(), 'Demoting self because watchdog could not be activated')
-            self.p.is_leader = false
+            self.p.is_primary = false
             self.assertEqual(self.ha.run_cycle(), 'Not promoting self because watchdog could not be activated')
 
     def test_leader_with_lock(self):
@@ -462,12 +462,12 @@ class TestHa(PostgresInit):
         self.assertEqual(self.ha.run_cycle(), 'demoted self because failed to update leader lock in DCS')
         with patch.object(Ha, '_get_node_to_follow', Mock(side_effect=DCSError('foo'))):
             self.assertEqual(self.ha.run_cycle(), 'demoted self because failed to update leader lock in DCS')
-        self.p.is_leader = false
+        self.p.is_primary = false
         self.assertEqual(self.ha.run_cycle(), 'not promoting because failed to update leader lock in DCS')
 
     @patch.object(Cluster, 'is_unlocked', Mock(return_value=False))
     def test_follow(self):
-        self.p.is_leader = false
+        self.p.is_primary = false
         self.assertEqual(self.ha.run_cycle(), 'no action. I am (postgresql0), a secondary, and following a leader ()')
         self.ha.patroni.replicatefrom = "foo"
         self.p.config.check_recovery_conf = Mock(return_value=(True, False))
@@ -484,13 +484,13 @@ class TestHa(PostgresInit):
     def test_follow_in_pause(self):
         self.ha.is_paused = true
         self.assertEqual(self.ha.run_cycle(), 'PAUSE: continue to run as primary without lock')
-        self.p.is_leader = false
+        self.p.is_primary = false
         self.assertEqual(self.ha.run_cycle(), 'PAUSE: no action. I am (postgresql0)')
 
     @patch.object(Rewind, 'rewind_or_reinitialize_needed_and_possible', Mock(return_value=True))
     @patch.object(Rewind, 'can_rewind', PropertyMock(return_value=True))
     def test_follow_triggers_rewind(self):
-        self.p.is_leader = false
+        self.p.is_primary = false
         self.ha._rewind.trigger_check_diverged_lsn()
         self.ha.cluster = get_cluster_initialized_with_leader()
         self.assertEqual(self.ha.run_cycle(), 'running pg_rewind from leader')
@@ -544,7 +544,7 @@ class TestHa(PostgresInit):
         self.ha.global_config = self.ha.patroni.config.get_global_config(self.ha.cluster)
         self.ha.update_failsafe({'name': 'leader', 'api_url': 'http://127.0.0.1:8008/patroni',
                                  'conn_url': 'postgres://127.0.0.1:5432/postgres', 'slots': {'foo': 1000}})
-        self.p.is_leader = false
+        self.p.is_primary = false
         self.assertEqual(self.ha.run_cycle(), 'DCS is not accessible')
 
     def test_no_dcs_connection_replica_failsafe_not_enabled_but_active(self):
@@ -552,7 +552,7 @@ class TestHa(PostgresInit):
         self.ha.cluster = get_cluster_initialized_with_leader()
         self.ha.update_failsafe({'name': 'leader', 'api_url': 'http://127.0.0.1:8008/patroni',
                                  'conn_url': 'postgres://127.0.0.1:5432/postgres', 'slots': {'foo': 1000}})
-        self.p.is_leader = false
+        self.p.is_primary = false
         self.assertEqual(self.ha.run_cycle(), 'DCS is not accessible')
 
     def test_update_failsafe(self):
@@ -591,9 +591,9 @@ class TestHa(PostgresInit):
         self.ha.cluster = get_cluster_not_initialized_without_leader()
         self.e.initialize = true
         self.assertEqual(self.ha.bootstrap(), 'trying to bootstrap a new cluster')
-        self.p.is_leader = false
+        self.p.is_primary = false
         self.assertEqual(self.ha.run_cycle(), 'waiting for end of recovery after bootstrap')
-        self.p.is_leader = true
+        self.p.is_primary = true
         self.ha.is_synchronous_mode = true
         self.assertEqual(self.ha.run_cycle(), 'running post_bootstrap')
         self.assertEqual(self.ha.run_cycle(), 'initialized a new cluster')
@@ -613,7 +613,7 @@ class TestHa(PostgresInit):
         self.ha.cluster = get_cluster_not_initialized_without_leader()
         self.e.initialize = true
         self.ha.bootstrap()
-        self.p.is_leader = true
+        self.p.is_primary = true
         with patch.object(Watchdog, 'activate', Mock(return_value=False)), \
                 patch('patroni.ha.logger.error') as mock_logger:
             self.assertEqual(self.ha.post_bootstrap(), 'running post_bootstrap')
@@ -827,7 +827,7 @@ class TestHa(PostgresInit):
         self.ha.fetch_node_status = get_node_status()
 
         # I am the leader
-        self.p.is_leader = true
+        self.p.is_primary = true
         self.ha.has_lock = true
 
         # the candidate is not in sync members but we allow failover to an async candidate
@@ -841,7 +841,7 @@ class TestHa(PostgresInit):
         self.ha.process_sync_replication = Mock()
 
         # I am the leader
-        self.p.is_leader = true
+        self.p.is_primary = true
         self.ha.has_lock = true
 
         # candidate specified is not in sync members
@@ -866,7 +866,7 @@ class TestHa(PostgresInit):
             self.assertEqual(mock_info.call_args_list[0][0], ('Member %s is %s', 'a', 'not allowed to promote'))
 
     def test_manual_failover_process_no_leader(self):
-        self.p.is_leader = false
+        self.p.is_primary = false
         self.p.set_role('replica')
 
         # failover to another member, fetch_node_status for candidate fails
@@ -911,7 +911,7 @@ class TestHa(PostgresInit):
             mock_info.assert_called_with('%s: to %s, i am %s', 'manual failover', 'b', 'postgresql0')
 
     def test_manual_switchover_process_no_leader(self):
-        self.p.is_leader = false
+        self.p.is_primary = false
         self.p.set_role('replica')
 
         # I was the leader, other members are healthy
@@ -928,7 +928,7 @@ class TestHa(PostgresInit):
 
     def test_manual_failover_process_no_leader_in_synchronous_mode(self):
         self.ha.is_synchronous_mode = true
-        self.p.is_leader = false
+        self.p.is_primary = false
         self.ha.fetch_node_status = get_node_status(nofailover=True)  # other nodes are not healthy
 
         # manual failover when our name (postgresql0) isn't in the /sync key and the candidate node is not available
@@ -958,7 +958,7 @@ class TestHa(PostgresInit):
 
     def test_manual_switchover_process_no_leader_in_synchronous_mode(self):
         self.ha.is_synchronous_mode = true
-        self.p.is_leader = false
+        self.p.is_primary = false
 
         # to a specific node, which name doesn't match our name (postgresql0)
         self.ha.cluster = get_cluster_initialized_without_leader(failover=Failover(0, 'leader', 'other', None))
@@ -1004,14 +1004,14 @@ class TestHa(PostgresInit):
                 ('%s: removing failover key because failover candidate is not running', 'switchover'))
 
         # switchover to me, I am not leader
-        self.p.is_leader = false
+        self.p.is_primary = false
         self.p.set_role('replica')
         self.ha.cluster = get_cluster_initialized_without_leader(failover=Failover(0, 'leader', self.p.name, None))
         self.assertEqual(self.ha.run_cycle(), 'PAUSE: promoted self to leader by acquiring session lock')
 
     def test_is_healthiest_node(self):
         self.ha.is_failsafe_mode = true
-        self.ha.state_handler.is_leader = false
+        self.ha.state_handler.is_primary = false
         self.ha.patroni.nofailover = False
         self.ha.fetch_node_status = get_node_status()
         self.ha.dcs._last_failsafe = {'foo': ''}
@@ -1025,7 +1025,7 @@ class TestHa(PostgresInit):
         self.assertFalse(self.ha.is_healthiest_node())
 
     def test__is_healthiest_node(self):
-        self.p.is_leader = false
+        self.p.is_primary = false
         self.ha.cluster = get_cluster_initialized_without_leader(sync=('postgresql1', self.p.name))
         self.ha.global_config = self.ha.patroni.config.get_global_config(self.ha.cluster)
         self.assertTrue(self.ha._is_healthiest_node(self.ha.old_cluster.members))
@@ -1124,7 +1124,7 @@ class TestHa(PostgresInit):
         self.assertTrue(self.ha.restart_matches("replica", "9.5.2", False))
 
     def test_process_healthy_cluster_in_pause(self):
-        self.p.is_leader = false
+        self.p.is_primary = false
         self.ha.is_paused = true
         self.p.name = 'leader'
         self.ha.cluster = get_cluster_initialized_with_leader()
@@ -1135,7 +1135,7 @@ class TestHa(PostgresInit):
     @patch('patroni.postgresql.mtime', Mock(return_value=1588316884))
     @patch('builtins.open', mock_open(read_data='1\t0/40159C0\tno recovery target specified\n'))
     def test_process_healthy_standby_cluster_as_standby_leader(self):
-        self.p.is_leader = false
+        self.p.is_primary = false
         self.p.name = 'leader'
         self.ha.cluster = get_standby_cluster_initialized_with_only_leader()
         self.p.config.check_recovery_conf = Mock(return_value=(False, False))
@@ -1147,7 +1147,7 @@ class TestHa(PostgresInit):
         self.assertEqual(self.ha.run_cycle(), 'promoted self to a standby leader because i had the session lock')
 
     def test_process_healthy_standby_cluster_as_cascade_replica(self):
-        self.p.is_leader = false
+        self.p.is_primary = false
         self.p.name = 'replica'
         self.ha.cluster = get_standby_cluster_initialized_with_only_leader()
         self.assertEqual(self.ha.run_cycle(),
@@ -1157,7 +1157,7 @@ class TestHa(PostgresInit):
 
     @patch.object(Cluster, 'is_unlocked', Mock(return_value=True))
     def test_process_unhealthy_standby_cluster_as_standby_leader(self):
-        self.p.is_leader = false
+        self.p.is_primary = false
         self.p.name = 'leader'
         self.ha.cluster = get_standby_cluster_initialized_with_only_leader()
         self.ha.sysid_valid = true
@@ -1167,13 +1167,13 @@ class TestHa(PostgresInit):
     @patch.object(Rewind, 'rewind_or_reinitialize_needed_and_possible', Mock(return_value=True))
     @patch.object(Rewind, 'can_rewind', PropertyMock(return_value=True))
     def test_process_unhealthy_standby_cluster_as_cascade_replica(self):
-        self.p.is_leader = false
+        self.p.is_primary = false
         self.p.name = 'replica'
         self.ha.cluster = get_standby_cluster_initialized_with_only_leader()
         self.assertTrue(self.ha.run_cycle().startswith('running pg_rewind from remote_member:'))
 
     def test_recover_unhealthy_leader_in_standby_cluster(self):
-        self.p.is_leader = false
+        self.p.is_primary = false
         self.p.name = 'leader'
         self.p.is_running = false
         self.p.follow = false
@@ -1182,7 +1182,7 @@ class TestHa(PostgresInit):
 
     @patch.object(Cluster, 'is_unlocked', Mock(return_value=True))
     def test_recover_unhealthy_unlocked_standby_cluster(self):
-        self.p.is_leader = false
+        self.p.is_primary = false
         self.p.name = 'leader'
         self.p.is_running = false
         self.p.follow = false
@@ -1242,7 +1242,7 @@ class TestHa(PostgresInit):
         check_calls([(update_lock, True), (demote, True)])
 
         self.ha.has_lock = false
-        self.p.is_leader = false
+        self.p.is_primary = false
         self.assertEqual(self.ha.run_cycle(),
                          'no action. I am (postgresql0), a secondary, and following a leader (leader)')
         check_calls([(update_lock, False), (demote, False)])
@@ -1376,7 +1376,7 @@ class TestHa(PostgresInit):
         self.ha.is_synchronous_mode = true
 
         mock_set_sync = self.p.sync_handler.set_synchronous_standby_names = Mock()
-        self.p.is_leader = false
+        self.p.is_primary = false
         self.p.set_role('replica')
         self.ha.has_lock = true
         mock_write_sync = self.ha.dcs.write_sync_state = Mock(return_value=SyncState.empty())
@@ -1399,7 +1399,7 @@ class TestHa(PostgresInit):
     def test_unhealthy_sync_mode(self):
         self.ha.is_synchronous_mode = true
 
-        self.p.is_leader = false
+        self.p.is_primary = false
         self.p.set_role('replica')
         self.p.name = 'other'
         self.ha.cluster = get_cluster_initialized_without_leader(sync=('leader', 'other2'))
@@ -1430,7 +1430,7 @@ class TestHa(PostgresInit):
         self.ha.is_synchronous_mode = true
 
         self.p.name = 'other'
-        self.p.is_leader = false
+        self.p.is_primary = false
         self.p.set_role('replica')
         mock_restart = self.p.restart = Mock(return_value=True)
         self.ha.cluster = get_cluster_initialized_with_leader(sync=('leader', 'other'))
@@ -1533,7 +1533,7 @@ class TestHa(PostgresInit):
     @patch('sys.exit', return_value=1)
     def test_abort_join(self, exit_mock):
         self.ha.cluster = get_cluster_not_initialized_without_leader()
-        self.p.is_leader = false
+        self.p.is_primary = false
         self.ha.run_cycle()
         exit_mock.assert_called_once_with(1)
 
@@ -1593,7 +1593,7 @@ class TestHa(PostgresInit):
     @patch.object(SlotsHandler, 'sync_replication_slots', Mock(return_value=['ls']))
     def test_follow_copy(self):
         self.ha.cluster.config.data['slots'] = {'ls': {'database': 'a', 'plugin': 'b'}}
-        self.p.is_leader = false
+        self.p.is_primary = false
         self.assertTrue(self.ha.run_cycle().startswith('Copying logical slots'))
 
     def test_acquire_lock(self):
diff --git a/tests/test_postgresql.py b/tests/test_postgresql.py
index a3475ef5..a703f235 100644
--- a/tests/test_postgresql.py
+++ b/tests/test_postgresql.py
@@ -363,11 +363,11 @@ class TestPostgresql(BaseTestPostgresql):
         self.assertRaises(psycopg.ProgrammingError, self.p.query, 'blabla')
 
     @patch.object(Postgresql, 'pg_isready', Mock(return_value=STATE_REJECT))
-    def test_is_leader(self):
-        self.assertTrue(self.p.is_leader())
+    def test_is_primary(self):
+        self.assertTrue(self.p.is_primary())
         self.p.reset_cluster_info_state(None)
         with patch.object(Postgresql, '_query', Mock(side_effect=RetryFailedError(''))):
-            self.assertFalse(self.p.is_leader())
+            self.assertFalse(self.p.is_primary())
 
     @patch.object(Postgresql, 'controldata', Mock(return_value={'Database cluster state': 'shut down',
                                                                 'Latest checkpoint location': '0/1ADBC18',
@@ -461,7 +461,7 @@ class TestPostgresql(BaseTestPostgresql):
         self.assertIsNone(self.p.call_nowait(CallbackAction.ON_START))
 
     @patch.object(Postgresql, 'is_running', Mock(return_value=MockPostmaster()))
-    def test_is_leader_exception(self):
+    def test_is_primary_exception(self):
         self.p.start()
         self.p.query = Mock(side_effect=psycopg.OperationalError("not supported"))
         self.assertTrue(self.p.stop())
diff --git a/tests/test_slots.py b/tests/test_slots.py
index a5be0d1d..0210d701 100644
--- a/tests/test_slots.py
+++ b/tests/test_slots.py
@@ -48,7 +48,7 @@ class TestSlotsHandler(BaseTestPostgresql):
             self.s.sync_replication_slots(cluster, False)
             mock_debug.assert_called_once()
         self.p.set_role('replica')
-        with patch.object(Postgresql, 'is_leader', Mock(return_value=False)), \
+        with patch.object(Postgresql, 'is_primary', Mock(return_value=False)), \
                 patch.object(SlotsHandler, 'drop_replication_slot') as mock_drop:
             self.s.sync_replication_slots(cluster, False, paused=True)
             mock_drop.assert_not_called()
@@ -79,7 +79,7 @@ class TestSlotsHandler(BaseTestPostgresql):
                           None, SyncState.empty(), None, {'ls': 10}, None)
         self.p.set_role('replica')
         with patch.object(Postgresql, '_query') as mock_query, \
-                patch.object(Postgresql, 'is_leader', Mock(return_value=False)):
+                patch.object(Postgresql, 'is_primary', Mock(return_value=False)):
             mock_query.return_value = [('ls', 'logical', 'b', 'a', 5, 12345, 105)]
             ret = self.s.sync_replication_slots(cluster, False)
         self.assertEqual(ret, [])
@@ -106,7 +106,7 @@ class TestSlotsHandler(BaseTestPostgresql):
                   "confirmed_flush_lsn": 12345, "catalog_xmin": 105}])
             self.assertEqual(self.p.slots(), {})
 
-    @patch.object(Postgresql, 'is_leader', Mock(return_value=False))
+    @patch.object(Postgresql, 'is_primary', Mock(return_value=False))
     def test__ensure_logical_slots_replica(self):
         self.p.set_role('replica')
         self.cluster.slots['ls'] = 12346
@@ -133,7 +133,7 @@ class TestSlotsHandler(BaseTestPostgresql):
 
     @patch.object(Postgresql, 'stop', Mock(return_value=True))
     @patch.object(Postgresql, 'start', Mock(return_value=True))
-    @patch.object(Postgresql, 'is_leader', Mock(return_value=False))
+    @patch.object(Postgresql, 'is_primary', Mock(return_value=False))
     def test_check_logical_slots_readiness(self):
         self.s.copy_logical_slots(self.cluster, ['ls'])
         with patch.object(MockCursor, '__iter__', Mock(return_value=iter([('postgresql0', None)]))), \
@@ -147,7 +147,7 @@ class TestSlotsHandler(BaseTestPostgresql):
 
     @patch.object(Postgresql, 'stop', Mock(return_value=True))
     @patch.object(Postgresql, 'start', Mock(return_value=True))
-    @patch.object(Postgresql, 'is_leader', Mock(return_value=False))
+    @patch.object(Postgresql, 'is_primary', Mock(return_value=False))
     def test_on_promote(self):
         self.s.schedule_advance_slots({'foo': {'bar': 100}})
         self.s.copy_logical_slots(self.cluster, ['ls'])